The Uganda AIDS Commission engaged journalists in the Lango sub-region during a one-day training held at Gracious Palace Hotel in Lira City on Friday. The training focused on the role of the media in communicating about HIV/AIDS.
Victor Rwengabu, zonal coordinator for Acholi and Lango, encouraged the media fraternity in Lango to do more comprehensive coverage on HIV-related issues. Dr. Stephen Asimwe, a researcher working at the Uganda AIDS Commission, highlighted the different aspects of the HIV/AIDS epidemic. He noted that the Commission was established in 1992 by an act of parliament and that there had been a 61% decline in new infections since 2010.
Lira City Mayor Sam Atul, while opening the workshop, emphasized the importance of the media in raising awareness about HIV/AIDS. He mentioned that Lira City has a higher HIV prevalence rate than the national average, and urged the media to constantly disseminate information on prevention. He also highlighted the fear factor associated with HIV/AIDS and the need to address it.
Dr. Okello Hillary, the HIV focal person for Lira City, shared the current HIV prevalence rate and testing achievements in the city. He noted that new infections remain higher than desired.
Lira City Deputy Town Clerk Lillian Ocare Grace called for action from families to encourage young people to get tested before marriage to reduce the high prevalence rate. She also emphasized the disproportionate impact of HIV on women.
Q FM station manager Acipa Doreen urged fellow journalists to report objectively on HIV/AIDS issues, highlighting the discrimination faced by young people living with HIV. She also mentioned the challenges faced by parents in disclosing their children’s HIV status.
Ongora Denis, a journalist with Radio Voice of Lango FM, urged journalists to differentiate between comprehensive information and social media posts. Santo Ojok of Devine FM Apac highlighted the common trend of event-driven news coverage and the impact of substandard human resources on HIV/AIDS reporting.
Akullo Charity, a reporter with Daily Monitor, expressed the difficulties in obtaining information from some focal persons who are unwilling to share information on HIV/AIDS.
Joanita, a communication officer with the Uganda AIDS Commission, requested media practitioners to view HIV/AIDS from multiple perspectives, emphasizing that the issue is prevalent everywhere.
