Journalists from the region, last Friday, concluded a five-day training that aimed at equipping them with knowledge on reporting about HIV.“Countries experience similar challenges and given the negative impact HIV/Aids is having, we need to build a strong partnership to counter the problem especially using the media,” said Dr Sylvie Sargueil, who represented Institut Panos Paris, one of the organisers. She pointed out that the media has a great role to play in providing the public with information to enable the population take on preventive measures against the disease.“Due to frequent border movements, there are high risks of passing on or contracting HIV at entry points,” she noted.The president of ABASIRWA—a body bringing together local reporters on HIV--Jean Claude Mwitende, said the organisation has embarked on building capacity for journalists to intensify their reporting on HIV/Aids.“Apart from regular trainings for journalists, we are also engaged in social activities to educate and sensitise the population to go for voluntary testing of HIV and seek early medical treating for those infected,” Mwitende said.He explained that various campaigns have been put in place to advocate and encourage students to abstain as well as teach youth the relevance of using condoms.
