The HIV Communication Online Debate!

[Guest guest]

Dear eFORUM Subscribers,

I am forwarding you an invitation to the HIV online debate initiated by

Panos and the Communication initiative. The debate will cover three topics

and will last for three weeks. The details on the topics and the dates are

given below. Looking forward to active participation of aids india members,

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Welcome to " hivcomm, " the HIV Communication Online Debate!

During this first week (Jan 6 - 16) the topic will be - Characterising

HIV Communication

We would like to know whether you think:

1. the portrait in http://www.comminit.com/st2002/sld-6775.html is fair?

2. are there any examples of particular successes or failures that might

highlight or contradict some of the points made above?

We look forward to hearing your views.

But first a few comments about the discussion and its context...

Increasing numbers of people working in development communication are

questioning the assumptions and institutional frameworks underpinning

their work. With more money, more political will and more media

attention focussed on the global pandemic than ever before, the way that

those working within the response to HIV articulate and share the

lessons they have gained in the past couple of decades becomes an issue

of considerable consequence. While few could argue that there are now

sufficient funds for fighting HIV, many would argue that what funds

there are could be better spent.

Discussions with donors and practitioners of HIV Communication, through

a range of meetings, networks, and electronic forums, have enabled Panos

to develop an analysis as presented on

http://www.comminit.com/st2002/sld-6775.html

Currently this analysis rests on the evidence drawn from the networks of

Panos' southern offices and makes a number of fairly fundamental points.

However, this analysis still requires fine-tuning, substantiation and

the authority of voices of those most affected, those in the field,

together with those in the north with a vantage point on how

communication for development is shaped.

This online debate starts today, January 6, 2003. We will look at 3

issues, spending approximately one week on each - although we are

flexible to tackling related issues if necessary.

1) Week one (Jan 6 - 16): Characterising HIV Communication - is the

portrait in http://www.comminit.com/st2002/sld-6775.html fair? Are there

any examples of particular success or failure that might highlight or

contradict some of the points made above?

2) Week two (Jan 17 - 23): What are the factors that support effective

programming - how did the models of success work? Or what factors,

either at the institutional, national, or international level that

detract from effective HIV Communication activities.

3) Week three (Jan 24 - 31): Priorities for moving forward. Given the

discussions in the first parts of the online debate - how do we take

this forward? What are the essential first steps?

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So - on to the discussion!

Moderator - Morry, The Communication Initiative

______________________________________

Anushree

ANUSHREE MISHRA

Programme Manager,

Public Health,

Panos South Asia,

GPO Box,13651,

Kathmandu, Nepal

Tel.: (977-1) 520985,531447

Fax: (977-1)523846

www.panos.org.np