‘Give HIV, Aids stories human face’

Panos Southern Africa (PSAF) has advised journalists in Malawi to enhance their skills in reporting HIV and Aids prevention stories.

Speaking at a two-day workshop PSAF organised in Liwonde last Wednesday, Panos board chairperson Edward Chitsulo said journalists need a right formula to tell the HIV and Aids tired story to reach a wider audience.

“Everyone knows there is HIV and Aids pandemic. As journalists, tell the story well to sound fresh always,” Chitsulo said.

In his opening remarks, Media Institute for Southern Africa (Misa) Malawi chairperson Anthony Kasunda said the media plays an important role in influencing public responses to health issues.

He said that a media that lacks expertise is a threat to society.

“That is why we have gathered here to learn and share relevant information and experiences with our colleagues from the health sector and civil society,” he said.

The workshop was aimed at enhancing the role of the media in communicating HIV and Aids issues with a focus on prevention.