Islamabad:The Programme Management Unit at United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has conducted a two-day interactive workshop and consultation session to sensitise media professionals about HIV/AIDS.
The participants from over 30 media organisations attended the event. The workshop commenced with an inaugural address by National Program Specialist at UNDP, Dr. Nashmia Mahmood. Dr. Nashmia Mahmood stressed the crucial role that the media played in shaping societal perspectives on HIV/AIDS. “Media is not just a mirror reflecting reality, but a powerful tool capable of shaping it. Ethical and sensitive reporting on HIV/AIDS is not just an option, it’s a responsibility,” she said.
She emphasised that the workshop was more than just a training session. “It is an opportunity to redefine the media’s role in disseminating accurate, compassionate information about a topic that has long been marred by stigma and misunderstanding,” she added. Breaking down the subject’s complexities, the first session, “Understanding HIV/AIDS and Overcoming Stigma,” was skilfully guided by Mubashir Akram.
He tackled preconceived notions and stigmas about HIV/AIDS head-on, making it a point to elucidate the facts. “We cannot let ignorance dictate the narrative. Knowledge is the first step to breaking down barriers of stigma,” Akram asserted during the session. The moral compass for media reporting on the subject was established in the second session, spearheaded by Absar Alam, a senior journalist and former Chairman of Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA).
Alam urged journalists to adhere to the highest ethical standards while covering this sensitive issue. “Ethics in journalism is not a passing consideration but an imperative. How we talk about HIV/AIDS matters because words can isolate or integrate communities,” Alam emphasised. Dr. Arif Saleem took the helm for the third session, “Effective Behavior Change Communication (BCC) Strategies for Humane HIV/AIDS Awareness.” The segment was an educational tour de force on Behaviour Change Communication strategies. “Effective communication is about relaying facts and shaping perceptions and actions. BCC is our best bet in aligning public perception with reality,” Dr. Saleem pointed out. Closing the workshop was the fourth session, “Personal Development and Building Empathy on HIV/AIDS,” administered by Dr. Ali Tariq.
He used a mix of anecdotal and academic methodologies to bridge the emotional gap between reporters and the subject they cover.
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