Freetown — Member of parliament representing Bo district has said that HIV/AIDS can be contacted not only through sex but other means.

Hon. Eric Jumu made the observation while serving as chairman in a three-day training workshop for journalists on HIV/AIDS at the Kerrigan Hall in Bo from May 19 to 21.

According to the MP, blood transfusion and hair cut can also cause the person to person transmission HIV/AIDS. He said as the press serves the public some of its contents should be written in vernacular languages so that every can understand it.

"AIDS is real despite some people still saying that they do not believe in its existence," he said, adding that most MPs were extremely happy about the free health care service, but only hoped it would be sustainable.

Hon. Jumu said he was delighted that the government in collaboration with UNICEF continues to sensitize people on what he referred to as a deadly disease.

Dominic Lamin, deputy director in the ministry of information and communication, who coordinated the workshop on the theme, "Putting Children High on HIV/AIDS Intervention", said the training would help journalists be more informed with HIV/AIDS reporting, especially on children.

He said up till now people do not believe in the existence of HIV/AIDS, a situation he said was leading many people to involve themselves in risky behaviours.

Lamin said the virus exits in the body fluid with the exception of saliva. Giving a brief overview of the national response to HIV/AIDS, he said their goal was to provide HIV/AIDS treatment, care and support to mitigate the socio-economic impact at national and regional levels.

The treatment, he said, was not a cure but that it prevents the virus from developing into AIDS. The deputy director further explained that the objective of the national strategic plan was to develop and implement programme, care and support for orphans and vulnerable children.

Network of people living with HIV advocacy officer, Arnold Macauley, gave a historical background of how the silent spread of the disease was traced as far back as 1899.

He said stigma and discrimination were the deadly aspect of HIV/AIDS, adding that with children it was not in their interest.

He revealed that one of the sources of stigma and discrimination came from religious leaders and hoped that the situation would change.

Veteran journalist Hon. Frank Kposowa spoke about the role of the media, in which the journalist can promote the interest of the child on HIV/AIDS.

He called on editors and proprietors to give airtime and space in their radio stations and newspapers to addressing issues of HIV/AIDS in children.

UNICEF representative for Bo and Kenema, William Banya gave a brief statement on HIV/AIDS on children and their rights.