A two-day media workshop aimed at strengthening the media for effective reporting on HIV/AIDS has convened in Monrovia. The workshop is being organized under the aegis of the Press Union of Liberia (PUL), the mother organization of all media institutions in Liberia.

Speaking at the opening of the two-day workshop on HIV/AIDS, PUL President, Peter Quaqua disclosed that the workshop is being held to strengthen the media for effective reporting on HIV/AIDS in Liberia. Mr. Quaqua stressed the importance of the workshop saying that it is intended to strengthen media Institutions to have knowledge on HIV/AIDS so as to enable them keep the public informed at all times.

Also speaking, the chairperson of the National AIDS Commission, Dr.Ivan S.Camanor said those living with HIV/AIDS should be treated well in the society, because according to him they have the rights as Liberians and therefore, must not be neglected by friends, family members, communities, and workmates.

Dr. Camanor stated further that if these individuals are welcomed in the larger society they will not feel being isolated in their lives and will always feel comfortable to be around others.

For her part, the advisor on HIV/TB, Rebuilding Basic Health Services (RBHS), Mrs. Lauretta Nagbe disclosed that people living with HIV/AIDS virus are part of the society and must not be seen as ordinary people in the country.

Madam Nagbe said it is very disheartening that some of the people, who have been affected by HIV/AIDS, have been rejected by some friends and relatives in society because of the infection they have encountered.

She said that eating, kissing, touching somebody who is infected with the HIV/AIDS virus does not affect another with the infection noting that people must do away with the perception that if you kiss an HIV patient you will also be affected by the virus.

According to her, sexual intercourse is mostly responsible for transmission of HIV/ADIS. She then appealed to the public not to down-play those with the virus but rather encourage them to take treatment at all times.