UNDP Holds Workshop with Media in Quetta to Foster Awareness in Combating HIV/AIDS Stigma
Quetta (Press Release): Intending to combat the prevailing stigma surrounding HIV/AIDS, the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) organized a workshop for media professionals in Quetta. The initiative is part of UNDP’s larger drive to foster accurate and sensitive reporting on the subject, contributing to broader awareness and understanding within the community. This was the fifth engagement with the national-level media, and UNDP has earlier held workshops for media in Islamabad, Peshawar, Lahore, and Karachi.
The workshop commenced with a recital from the Holy Quran, setting a contemplative tone for the discussions. Mubashir Akram introduced the workshop structure, providing participants with an outline of the sessions.
Taking the stage next, Zulfiqar Durrani, Head of Office, UNDP Balochistan, provided insights about the HIV prevention project with AIDS control program. “Our efforts in Balochistan are geared towards not just controlling the spread of HIV/AIDS, but also altering the narrative surrounding the condition,” he stated. Durrani also stressed the importance of community engagement and acknowledged the media’s role in disseminating correct information, saying, “Every story that is told right brings us one step closer to a stigma-free society.”
Summayyah Rasheed, Program Officer Stigma and Discrimination, briefed the audience on the overall scope of the UNDP project sponsored by the Global Fund. “This initiative represents a collaborative endeavor to end the spread HIV but the associated discrimination,” said Rasheed. She added, “With the support of media professionals, we aim to shift the discourse in our society and encourage a more inclusive understanding of HIV/AIDS and the affected communities in Pakistan.”
Dr. Sultan Ahmed, the Program Manager of the Balochistan AIDS Control Program (BACP), underscored the significance of a collaborative effort between the health sector and the media. He expressed keen interest in fostering a robust partnership with the media and emphasized, “Collaboration with the media is not a choice but a necessity. By working together, we can disseminate accurate information, critical to overcoming misinformation and prejudice surrounding HIV/AIDS.” He added, “The Balochistan AIDS Control Program is open and keen to work with media professionals. Our doors are always open to facilitate dialogues, provide credible information, and support initiatives to elevate public awareness and understanding on this critical health issue.”
During the workshop, the audience also heard firsthand the experiences of two individuals living with HIV. They shared heartfelt stories about the discrimination they faced within society and, at times, from healthcare practitioners. One poignantly mentioned, “Living with HIV is a daily challenge, but the societal judgment and stigma can be more painful than the disease itself.” The other individual highlighted the role of the media and expressed, “The media is a potent tool, and it can either fuel the ignorance and fear surrounding HIV or educate the masses and challenge the rampant stereotypes.” Their courageous testimonials profoundly impacted the attendees, emphasizing the importance of sensitive and well-informed reporting on HIV/AIDS issues.
In the training sessions, Mubashir Akram initiated the discussion with “Understanding HIV/AIDS and Overcoming Stigma,” shedding light on the current scenario of HIV and AIDS in Pakistan. This led to Manzoor Ahmad steering the narrative towards “Effective Behavioral Change Communication Strategies for Humane HIV/AIDS Awareness,” emphasizing the media’s role in shaping public perception. Following suit, Romisa Shah deepened the conversation in her session, “Personal Development and Building Empathy on HIV/AIDS,” engaging attendees in an insightful dialogue on empathy. The workshop culminated with another enriching discourse by Manzoor Ahmad on “Ethical Reporting on HIV/AIDS and Affected Communities,” stressing the importance of ethical journalism in challenging stigma and supporting the affected individuals. The trainers offered a blend of facts, ethical guidelines, and interpersonal understanding through their respective sessions, contributing to a comprehensive learning experience for the media personnel present.
The interactive sessions provided ample opportunity for the audience to engage with the trainers and ask questions, creating a vibrant exchange of ideas to tackle the stigma associated with HIV/AIDS. This was the last of the five training workshops with media across Pakistan through which UNDP engaged with media professionals in Islamabad, Peshawar, Lahore, Karachi, and Quetta.
