HIV/Aids low coverage worries body
Malawi Network of Aids Service Organisation (Manaso) has expressed concern over low media reporting on the new HIV and Aids Act, fearing it may affect knowledge sharing on HIV and Aids.
Manaso development specialist Sarah Dale said this at a training workshop they organised for journalists in the district.
She said the workshop sought to familiarise journalists with the Act, ensure they take part in information dissemination about the Act and to help in community mindset change.
“Journalists have a crucial role to play in society as far as HIV is concerned. These communicate different messages and information to masses, so we decided to equip them with the necessary knowledge,” she said.
Speaking in an interview yesterday, Women Lawyers Association president Sarai Chisala, who was also the facilitator, observed that since the Act was passed, there has been little coverage of it.
In his comment, assistant Salima district information officer Joseph Mabviko committed to periodically remind journalists in the district to tackle issues affecting the society including HIV and Aids.
One of the participants, Salima-based Zodiak Broadcasting Station reporter Joseph Mazizi said there is need for stakeholders to consider working with community radio stations to make people aware of the Act.
