Concord Times (Freetown)
Rachel Horner
27 October 2008
Freetown — Director National Aids Secretariat (NAS) has urged the HIV/AIDS reporters association (HARA) to increase its roles in the fight against Aids.
Dr Brima Kargbo made this statement at the inauguration and stakeholders meeting of HARA at the ministry of health and sanitation conference hall Youyi building Freetown.
He said the role of HARA should include talking about HIV/AIDS, creating a supportive and enabling environment, challenging stigma and discrimination and promoting HIV and AIDS services.
"One of the most oblivious roles of the media is to open channels of communication and foster discussion about HIV and interpersonal relationship. Mass media can be instrument in breaking the silence that surrounds the disease, "
"We encourage HARA to focus on the need to overcome prejudice and encourage solidarity with people who are infected and affected by the virus," he said.
He noted that a strong collaboration between the media, implementing agencies and the government agencies would help to ensure that vital services such as counseling, testing, condom provision, treatment, care and support are available, accessible and affordable. Kargbo lauded HARA for adding more impetus to the national response in increasing knowledge about HIV/AIDS.
UNAIDS country coordinator, Mulunesh Tennagashaw said in order for the media to effectively perform the critical role, it has to well organized and needs to forge partnership with others in the national response within and outside the country, adding that the media has a central position in people's lives and the potential to shape culture and social norms.
Tennagashaw said the media is a critical element in responding to the epidemic in a way that will make a difference.
Chief Medical Officer of the Ministry of Health Dr K.S Daoh said the government is committed to the fight against HIV/AIDS whilst admonishing the media to be effective in critical evaluation, development of health policy, supportive of environment and community actions.
President of HARA Samuel B. Conteh noted that the former minister of information Septimus Kaikai and the current minister of information I.B Kargbo were the pioneers for the formation of HARA.
He promised that more media coverage and attention will be given to HIV/AIDS.
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