Working journalists have been described as formidable agents in the fight against the spread of HIV/AIDS, thereby having important roles to play as efforts are geared towards ending the prevalence by the year 2030.
The assertion was made by the North-East Zonal Coordinator of the National Agency for the Control of HIV/AIDS (NACA), Tobias John, during a one-day intensive training for selected journalists in Bauchi, organised in collaboration with the Bauchi State Agency for the Control of HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and Malaria (BACATMA).
Tobias John highlighted the crucial roles Journalists can play in the fight through programmes, direct news reports, and other media engagements with a focus on the various aspects of the virus, testing for status, treatment and prevention support.
The one-day training was titled ‘Engaging the Media on HIV Campaign Business Sustainability’.
According to him, media organisations and practitioners have a vital role to play in the ongoing campaign against HIV/AIDS and were urged to fully support the crusade.
He emphasised that the media remains one of the most powerful tools in shaping public perception and influencing behavioural change, especially on health-related issues such as HIV/AIDS.
“Consistent and accurate reporting can help dispel myths and misconceptions surrounding HIV, which often contribute to stigma and discrimination,” he said.
The NACA Zonal Coordinator further encouraged Journalists to use their platforms to promote messages of hope, prevention, and treatment adherence.
Tobias John also called on religious and community leaders to collaborate with the media in educating people on the importance of knowing their HIV status, as part of efforts to reduce the spread of the virus.
He stressed that collaboration among stakeholders would strengthen the collective response to HIV and ensure that no community is left behind.
The NACA Coordinator additionally urged development partners and civil society organisations to continue supporting media-driven advocacy campaigns, noting that sustained funding and technical assistance are essential to achieving national targets on HIV control and eventual eradication.
Some of the Journalists who participated in the training described the event as an eye-opener.
They commended NACA for organising the workshop, noting that it would help improve their reporting on health and social development issues.
Participants included both Print and Broadcast media practitioners operating in Bauchi State.