In Abia State, the media has been called upon to take an active role in shaping public perception regarding HIV/AIDS and those living with the virus. During a recent sensitization meeting hosted by the Abia State Agency for the Control of HIV/AIDS (ABSACA), media representatives were urged to reduce stigmatization against individuals living with HIV. The meeting emphasized the importance of responsible coverage and accurate reporting, with the objective of fostering a more supportive environment for those affected by the virus. Dr. Uloaku Emmanuel-Ukaegbu, the Director General of ABSACA, underscored the significant role that the media can play in both the prevention and management of HIV/AIDS in the region.
Dr. Emmanuel-Ukaegbu highlighted several key drivers contributing to the spread of HIV within the state. Chief among these are risky sexual behaviors, such as engaging in multiple partnerships, alongside socio-economic factors like poverty and unemployment that complicate the issue. Other transmission routes discussed included traditional practices like genital mutilation, unsafe blood transfusions, and the sharing of contaminated objects. The Director General also clarified that HIV should not be viewed purely as a fatal disease, emphasizing that it acts as an “Opportunistic Infection” that can be effectively managed and delayed through prevention strategies and early medical intervention.
At the meeting, emphasis was placed on the need for partnerships across different sectors to combat HIV/AIDS. The agency is working to sensitize various stakeholders, including social youth development officers, family health practitioners, religious leaders, and journalists, to collaboratively spread awareness and educational messages about the virus. The ABSACA is also focused on forming a robust stakeholders’ forum to ensure comprehensive outreach, ensuring that the community is better informed about HIV/AIDS and its implications. Dr. Emmanuel-Ukaegbu’s presentation established a foundation for what was to be discussed about the media’s responsibility in curbing the epidemic through informed reporting.
Ekeoma Chigozie Akidi, the Director of Research and Mobilization, shared critical insights about the available resources for combatting HIV/AIDS in the state. She noted that there are currently 28 treatment centers for HIV/AIDS, with one designated specifically for sex workers and members of the LGBTQ+ community. This specialized center serves as a vital resource for marginalized groups who are often hesitant to seek medical attention due to stigma and discrimination. Akidi reiterated the media’s crucial role in disseminating information, stressing that while HIV does not directly kill, it lays the groundwork for opportunistic infections and other severe health complications, underscoring the importance of understanding the virus for effective health communication.
Further elaborating on stigmatization, Munachi Aguomba, Head of the Department of Monitoring and Evaluation, identified the various environments where stigma against people living with HIV is prevalent. These include workplaces, healthcare settings, educational institutions, and even religious organizations. Aguomba detailed two essential forms of stigmatization: overt physical discrimination and damaging gossip. She traced the roots of these negative behaviors to various factors, including inadequate knowledge about HIV, judgmental attitudes, fear surrounding the disease, and the lack of drug accessibility, painting a clear picture of the challenges that remain in combating social stigma.
The consensus from the meeting was clear: the media plays an indispensable role in not only reporting on HIV/AIDS but also in educating the public to alter existing prejudices. By portraying accurate information and humanizing the experiences of those living with HIV, media professionals can significantly contribute to reducing stigma and fostering a more informed community. This collaborative effort between ABSACA and media representatives is imperative for cultivating public attitudes that are supportive and compassionate, ultimately leading to better health outcomes and a decrease in the incidence of HIV/AIDS within Abia State.
