Letter To The Editor
Reduce HIV-related stigma and discrimination
CEBU, Philippines - Action for Health Initiatives (Achieve) is an NGO engaged in the development and implementation of programs addressing gender, sexuality, reproductive health and migration issues. We have proactively undertaken projects addressing HIV and AIDS issues in the last 10 years, with a focus on education and awareness raising, research, and advocacy. One of its current projects is on reducing HIV-related stigma and discrimination through policy reviews and building of media competency on HIV-related reporting.
We have recently completed a Situation Analysis Report (SAR) on trends and patterns in HIV-related media reporting, which covers the period, January 2005 to February 2010. The report notes that while there has been improvements on HIV and AIDS media coverage, the constant turnover of media personnel assigned to cover this beat requires a sustained conduct of education and orientation.
The report also states that stigmatizing language against people living with HIV (PLHIV) is still in use (e.g. "victim" and "AIDS sufferer") and that certain protocols in interviewing PLHIVs are breached.
We recognize the significant role of the media in eliminating HIV-related stigma, but this can only be possible when media personnel themselves are sensitized and informed of the issues.
Malu S. Marin
Executive Director
ACHIEVE, Inc.
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