Journalists's Statement on AIDS

[Guest guest]

Dear All,

At a recent meeting of 24 journalists from 13 pacific countries decided to make

a statement with respect to the lack of editorial policies and guidelines in

reporting HIV/AIDS. Perhaps, this may be of use for Indian Journalists too.

Please send a copy of this message to your local Journalist (Moderator)

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Statement by Pacific Journalists on HIV/AIDS: Suva, Fiji, 11 October 2002

As radio, television and print journalists from 13 South Pacific

nations attending the Regional Media Seminar on Population and

Reproductive Health, we express concern about the rise of HIV/AIDS in

our respective countries. Moreover, we find this a difficult disease

to report and ask our editorial staff for clear guidelines on the

topic. We offer the following suggestions.

Confidentiality surrounding news items on HIV/AIDS should be

maintained at all times. Therefore no names or addresses should be

mentioned.

The use of responsible language that reflects a fair and accurate

account the current situation. Past experience has shown that

sensational stories on HIV/AIDS distort the situation and only

increase stigma and fear among readers, listeners and viewers.

Terms such as 'victim' and 'sufferer' need to be dropped and replaced

by 'people living with HIV/AIDS'. This gives the story a more

positive tone.

It is unhelpful to focus only on the latest figures for HIV/AIDS.

Often they are inaccurate and misleading. They provide a false sense

of security and can promote complacency.

Concentrate more on people living positively with the virus. Let them

tell their story. This puts a human face on the story. This has

proved far more effective in educating people.

It is vital to include more news items on how to prevent infection

and to highlight risk behaviours rather than just risk groups.

Partnerships need to be developed between media representatives, NGOs

and local organizations in the South Pacific in regard to HIV/AIDS.

Joining the email forum, AIDSTOK, is a practical way to discuss

issues relevant to HIV/AIDS.

Encourage journalists to attend in-country training courses or

workshops on HIV/AIDS and other related health issues.

Where possible, designate a journalist to work full-time on health

stories and introduce a health page. Research in the Pacific has

shown that when these two conditions exist, there is broader and more

consistent reporting on health issues.

Media organizations need to acknowledge and address the increasing

threat posed to young people by HIV/AIDS.

Publish a correction for any story on HIV/AIDS that is found to be

seriously inaccurate and offensive.

All media should encourage greater partnership with the Ministry of

Health (MOH) and stress the need to include a media component in

their workshops, training and National AIDS Councils.

Cross posted from: AIDSTOK LIST

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