HIV/AIDS: A Resource for Journalists

The publication states that the media is a powerful source of information for people in South Africa. For this reason, it can also be a powerful tool in the fight against AIDS. Journalists have a particularly important role to play in providing the public with accurate information about the causes, spread, impact and prevention of the disease; monitoring and pressuring those in positions of power - in government, business and elsewhere - to deal adequately with HIV/AIDS; and influencing public opinion against behaviour and trends that help to spread HIV/AIDS.

This publication further states that the media has a very powerful role to play in shaping people's perceptions about HIV/AIDS, particularly in destigmatising the epidemic. Discrimination against those with HIV/AIDS is often based on ignorance and fear. Sometimes this ignorance causes dangerous rumours to spread - especially about causes and cures. Discrimination helps spread the epidemic - fear of discrimination promotes secrecy and non disclosure of one's HIV status, which may lead to unsafe sexual practices and the spread of HIV.

Topics included are:

• Understanding statistics and predictions;
• The economic impact of HIV/AIDS;
• Gender and HIV/AIDS;
• Socio-economic Issues - Poverty and AIDS;
• Voluntary Testing and Counseling (VTC); and
• Care and Support for People Living with HIV and AIDS.