Scribes sensitised on HIV reporting
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, March 19 2025: A one-day media sensitisation programme on "Ethics of Media Reporting on HIV/AIDS" was jointly organised by All Manipur Working Journalists' Union (AMWJU) and Manipur State AIDS Control Society (MSACS) at Manipur Press Club, here, on Wednesday.

In his address, MSACS project director Shamim Amin Shah highlighted the importance of following specific journalistic ethics when reporting on HIV/AIDS.

He noted that the media play a crucial role in societal development by informing the public about important issues.

In the context of HIV report -ing, journalists must ensure that they avoid any form of discrimination against people living with.HIV (PLHIV), as stipulated in the HIV/AIDS Act.

Informing that the National AIDS Control Programme (NACP) Phase V will conclude in the next financial year, Amin Shah stated that one of its primary goals is the elimination of stigma against people living with HIV .

"The state government is also committed to addressing this stigma," he affirmed.

In his presidential address, AMWJU president Bijoy Kakchingtabam noted the challenges faced by PLHIV amid the ongoing crisis, and pointed out the need for discussions on how journalists in the state can report on HIV-related issues ethically.

He also stressed the importance of collaborating with the authorities to ensure that the concerns of PLHIV, especially those in remote areas, are adequately addressed during these challenging times.

Bijoy informed that the sensitisation programme was organised with these objectives in mind and expressed hope that the same would benefit journalists in their news reporting.

The technical session featured MSACS DA (IEC & MS) Omajit Leishangthem and MSACS assistant director Phanjoubam Langamba speaking on the topics "HIV & AIDS (Prevention and Control) Act 2017" and "Ethics of Media Reporting on HIV/AIDS" respectively as resource persons.

MSACS deputy directors Dr H Teresa and H Bema also attended the programme.

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