AIDS - Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome

There are still many misconceptions about the spread of AIDS particularly regarding women and the transmission of AIDS.

• in 2005 it was estimated that globally some 40 million adults and children were living with HIV/AIDS, 17.5m were women
• more than 20 million people died of AIDS related diseases since the first clinical evidence of HIV/AIDS was reported in 1981, Another 5 million adults and children were newly infected with HIV during 2005
• the Aids epidemic is affecting women and girls in increasing numbers. Globally, just under half of all people living with HIV are female.
• a major problem is the stigma attached to HIV/AIDS - this is one of the fundamental obstacles to halting the progress of the epidemic.
• in many countries, women and children are being forced to barter sex for jobs and food and other basic essentials, putting them at an increased risk of contracting HIV/AIDS.
• in some countries it is believed that the woman is the carrier and she is the one who infects the man. As a result the practice has grown up of older men going to young girls, who are often virgins, for sex.
• the reality is that because the lining of a young girl's womb is very fragile, they are the ones who are more susceptible to being infected. It is also a fact that a man's semen will carry a far higher concentration of HIV than vaginal fluid.
• the involvement of men in HIV prevention efforts is important because they often control women's and girl's degree of vulnerability.

One of the most difficult issues facing the media is how to address a sensitive and private health issue such as HIV/AIDS in a public manner and in a social environment that works strongly against open discussion of such issues. Often the coverage perpetuates existing stereotypes and prejudices. Using the correct HIV/AIDS terminology is important.

It is important that journalists understand all the facts about HIV/AIDS and constantly update statistics so that they can help spread accurate messages about AIDS.

See:
UNAIDS website for the latest information and Voice of America 'HIV/AIDS Broadcasting - Reporter's Handbook'