UNDP’s Program Management Unit conducted a two-day workshop to educate media professionals about HIV/AIDS, emphasizing the media’s role in shaping perceptions. Over 30 media organizations participated.
The workshop commenced with an inaugural address by Dr. Nashmia Mahmood, a National Program Specialist at UNDP, who set the tone for the event.
Dr. Mahmood underscored the vital role that the media plays in shaping public perceptions of HIV/AIDS. She emphasized that the media is not merely a passive mirror reflecting reality but a potent tool capable of actively shaping it.
In her words, ethical and sensitive reporting on HIV/AIDS is not a choice but a responsibility that the media must shoulder.
Dr. Mahmood further stressed that the workshop was more than a standard training session; it represented an opportunity to redefine the media’s role in disseminating accurate and compassionate information on a topic long marred by stigma and misunderstanding.
The second session, focused on establishing the moral compass for media reporting, was led by Absar Alam, a senior journalist and former Chairman of Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA).
Alam emphasized the imperative of adhering to the highest ethical standards when covering this sensitive issue, highlighting the power of words to either isolate or integrate communities.
The workshop included sessions on understanding HIV/AIDS, ethical reporting, behavior change communication strategies, and building empathy.
The event aimed to equip media professionals with the tools to report accurately and compassionately on HIV/AIDS, combat stigma and enhance public understanding.
This workshop was part of UNDP’s ongoing efforts to engage with media professionals on HIV/AIDS issues in Pakistan.
