In an effort to address the pervasive stigma and discrimination surrounding HIV/AIDS, the Ghana AIDS Commission(GAC) with donor support from PEPFAR and SendGhana, has organized a National Media Training for some selected Journalists in Ghana.
Held from the 8th to the 9th of March, 2024, in Peduase, Eastern Region, the two-day workshop aimed to equip selected media practitioners across the country with insights and strategies to address this critical issue.
Dr. Zahra Balsara, Director of the USAID Ghana Health Office in her address, emphasized the importance of collaboration in reducing HIV stigma and discrimination during a media training session.
She explained that the U.S. government has provided significant funding to Ghana’s health sector, including $105 million in 2023, to address various health challenges, including HIV/AIDS.
The training, supported by the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) according to her, aims to empower journalists to accurately inform the public, dispel misconceptions and combat stigma surrounding HIV/AIDS.
Dr. Balsara highlighted the crucial role of the media in shaping public perception and encouraging access to treatment for people living with HIV(PLHIV).
She expressed gratitude to partners, including the Ghana AIDS Commission and the Ghana Journalists Association and anticipated a productive training session.
During the workshop, Dr. Fred Nana Poku, the Director in charge of Technical Services at the Ghana AIDS Commission, delivered a comprehensive presentation shedding light on the various aspects of HIV stigma and discrimination.
Dr. Poku elucidated the definitions, causes, types, and consequences of stigma and discrimination, emphasizing their detrimental effects on individuals and society.
He highlighted the importance of understanding the distinction between stigma and discrimination, emphasizing that while stigma refers to negative perceptions and attitudes towards individuals, discrimination involves actions or behaviors that marginalize or exclude them.
Various factors contributing to HIV-related stigma were discussed, including moral judgments, fear, ignorance, gender inequality, and socioeconomic disparities.
Dr. Poku outlined different types of stigma, each with its own implications for those affected.
The workshop underscored the profound impact of stigma and discrimination on individual’s well-being and public health outcomes, emphasizing their role as significant barriers to HIV prevention and treatment efforts.
To address this issue, Dr. Poku advocated for multi-sectoral interventions, highlighting the importance of targeted strategies and policies in healthcare settings, educational institutions, workplaces, and legal frameworks to promote acceptance, equality, and human rights for all individuals.
Drawing upon international treaties, conventions, and national legislation, Dr. Poku highlighted the legal and policy frameworks in place to safeguard the rights of people living with HIV and commended ongoing initiatives and local campaigns aimed at raising awareness and promoting inclusivity.
Mr. Dominic Hlordzi, the National Organizer of the Ghana Journalist Association(GJA), on his part emphasized the importance of responsible reporting on HIV/AIDS.
He highlighted key principles for ethical reporting, including the use of accurate and non-stigmatizing language, respect for privacy and confidentiality, and promotion of prevention.
Mr. Hlordzi cautioned against sensationalism, promotion of unproven treatments, and misrepresentation of facts, urging journalists to uphold journalistic integrity and avoid harm in their reporting.
The workshop served as a call to action for concerted efforts to combat HIV stigma and discrimination, emphasizing the crucial role of solidarity, empathy, and respect for human rights in the fight against the epidemic. By adhering to ethical guidelines and fostering informed discussions, journalists can contribute significantly to ending the stigma associated with HIV/AIDS in Ghana and beyond.
Source: Padfm.com.gh/Kumatey Gorden/0243531604
