The Institute of Human Virology in Nigeria (IHVN) has charged media practitioners to intensify consciousness of HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), saying availability of the prevention commodities alone won’t assure uptake.
Senior Programme Manager, Prevention, IHVN, Comfort Amina Ochigbo, who gave the cost whereas addressing journalists and bloggers on demand technology for PrEP, stated the media had a essential position in bridging the hole between the supply of PrEP providers and their precise use by members of the general public.
“It’s one thing for us to make the products available. It’s one thing for us to explain to them how to use it. It’s another thing for them to buy into and use,” she stated.
She urged journalists to inform the general public the place PrEP providers can be found and supply correct data on how to entry them, stressing that consciousness should translate into motion.
According to her, media reporting ought to cowl your complete prevention “cascade” — from availability and entry to continued use — slightly than merely informing people who PrEP exists.
Ochigbo additionally referred to as for a broader dialog on PrEP, saying it shouldn’t be introduced as a service meant just for key populations.
“PrEP is for all,” she stated, stressing that the prevention choice must be mentioned in relation to people who find themselves prone to HIV.
She described journalists as advocates who may affect public understanding via the problems they prioritise and the way they body them.
The IHVN official, nevertheless, warned in opposition to sensationalism in HIV reporting, saying the seek for engaging tales should not compromise accuracy.
“We love stories – stories that are very sweet, attractive stories. As we are bringing these stories, let them be accurate in what they are saying,” she stated.
She urged journalists to keep away from stigmatising language and defend the privateness and confidentiality of individuals featured in HIV-related tales.
Ochigbo additional charged media practitioners to fact-check claims earlier than publication and seek the advice of credible well being specialists when reporting medical points.
She cautioned in opposition to presenting particular person experiences of unwanted effects as common traits of PrEP, saying such reporting may gas misinformation and discourage folks from accessing prevention providers.
Rather than trying to present medical recommendation on-line, she urged journalists to direct folks experiencing well being issues to healthcare services.
“Visit your health facility,” she stated, advocating a shift from fear-based HIV reporting to communication centred on prevention, advantages and knowledgeable decision-making.
ALSO READ: Makinde rejoices as abducted Oyo corps members regain freedom in Imo
She urged media organisations to use easy and regionally understood language, goal particular audiences, interact younger folks and maintain HIV prevention protection via common programmes and discussions.
The IHVN official urged individuals to start instantly to champion “consistent, stigma-free PrEP messages” throughout their platforms.
She stated sustained collaboration between the media, well being professionals and programme companions could be essential to hold correct data on HIV prevention within the public area and assist folks know the place and the way to entry obtainable PrEP providers.
WATCH TOP VIDEOS FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE TV
