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hiv awareness, hiv education, journalism, news media, sowetan, tb

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“an effort to include accurate information ensures that HIV myths and misconceptions are tackled in full view”

Sowetan steps up to the plate

An article in the Sowetan hints at the news media becoming aware of the role they have to play in educating the public on all things HIV.

While the main thrust of the article is to report on the success of Gauteng’s TB programme (current 81 percent cure rate in comparison to 64 percent in 2004), the Sowetan also takes the time to provide some basic information on the condition.

The small red box published alongside the main news article outlines the symptoms of TB and things a person who has been diagnosed with TB should do.

Some of the dos include being tested for HIV and tips which will assist TB patients in completing their lengthy (180 days) treatment.

The accessibility and popular appeal of the news media makes it the ideal medium for communicating information on HIV and related topics. Articles that make an effort to include accurate information could ensure that myths and misconceptions around HIV and other illnesses are tackled in full view, resulting in a more aware, more informed and better protected public.