The HIV and AIDS pandemic is still one of the biggest health-related developmental challenges facing humanity today. United Nations Millennium Development Goal 6 declares that one of its targets is to halt and begin to reverse the spread of HIV and AIDS by 2015. HIV and AIDS have affected populations everywhere on earth, yet no region has been devastated as much as Sub-Saharan Africa. Southern Africa is the hardest hit area of all—nations there have the highest infection rates in the world. HIV and AIDS hinder development at all levels of society by straining the resources of health care systems, forcing affected people out of the workforce because of illness or a need to care for family members who have fallen ill, and creating fractured families across the economic spectrum. In addition, there is a close link between HIV and AIDS and tuberculosis, which adds to the burden of those who care for the afflicted.
 

Despite the media attention that HIV and AIDS have received in recent years, they are still surrounded by many rampant myths and misconceptions. In addition, HIV and AIDS policies are often determined by leaders who have little direct contact with those who are most affected. HIV and AIDS, when combined with poverty, limited access to health services, gender iniquities, and stigma, have proven to be a serious impediment to sustained development.
 

PSAf is at the forefront of addressing the virus and its effects on communities in Southern Africa. We believe that media and communication are essential tools in shaping public opinion and we utilize them both to inform the public and to create an opportunity for marginalized groups to communicate directly with policy makers and other intervention specialists. Panos does this through a set of methodologies, both time-tested and innovative.
 

The primary goal of the PSAf HIV and AIDS Programme is to ensure that responses to the pandemic are shared and driven by those most affected. We strive to inform the public about poorly understood HIV and AIDS issues through publications and other media outlets not only so that they can improve the quality of their own lives through personal examination and reflection, but also so that they might better engage with their leaders on matters of policy regarding the pandemic. We also work with members of both the mainstream and alternative media to build their capacity in responding effectively to the pandemic through workshops and fellowships which aim to improve the quality of HIV and AIDS reporting in the region. In addition we engage with national governments as well as regional entities and non-governmental organizations in order to compel them to work with the media to ensure that the response to the pandemic is as effective and far-reaching as possible.
 

For more information about PSAf’s HIV and AIDS Programme please contact general@panos.org.zm.
Learn about the network of journalists living with HIV for Southern Africa
Learn about the Mildred Mpundu Fund for Community Media
Read oral testimonies of people living with HIV
Listen to interactive radio programmes on HIV and AIDS
Listen to radio listening club programmes about HIV and AIDS
View PSAf publications on HIV and AIDS