Media and HIV/AIDS: need for the media and ngo partnership.
Int Conf AIDS 2004 Jul 11-16; 15:(abstract no. D10261)
Mironga Jastine K National Conventionexecutive Council(n.c.e.c), Nairobi, Kenya
Development of strategies for more effective dissemination of HIV/AIDS information- and watertight approach on the implementation of proactive policies on the diversity of HIV/AIDS pandemic to the Kenyan people through the popular media, prompted a study. the study's objective is to understand the structure and operations of the Kenyan mass media for the enhancement of more effective and issue oriented reporting on HIV/AIDS. Research on articles reporting on reproductive health and HIV/AIDS issues was carried out on 1,500 articles from all major print media houses between the year 2000-2003. same was done on 14 focus groups among journalists working on knowledge, attitude and practice on similar issues. in all dailies, there were less in-depth reports on sexually transmitted diseases (STD'S) including HIV/AIDS than any other reproductive health related issues. However, these were more from held workshops, conferences and government pronouncements. Dating back to 10-12 years in information dissemination, the focus of the study is towards positive reinforcement against HIV/AIDS menace, through health education to change behavior. reports by journalists should be focused and sensitive to the feelings of plwa/h. this is possible through proper mass-media-ngo partnership. this is a prerequisite in the strategic use of mass media to advance social and public policy initiative on HIV/AIDS. Through active collaboration, field investigations on development ngo's projects are carried out by journalists, who later produced independent reports, documentaries and publications for public consumption. pilot activities prove enhancement of debate, promotion of responsible portrayals and quality coverage on HIV/AIDS issues.
Keywords: AEGIS, Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, HIV Seropositivity, Health Services Needs and Demand, Mass Media, Sexually Transmitted Diseases, Health Education, Public Policy, economics, organization & administration, education
