KARACHI: The United Nations Development Program (UNDP) is intensifying its campaign against the stigma surrounding HIV/AIDS through a recent two-day sensitization workshop held in Karachi. Building on the success of similar workshops in Islamabad, Peshawar, and Lahore, this event aimed to empower media professionals, primarily focused on health-related reporting, with the tools to dispel misconceptions, practice ethical journalism, and foster a more empathetic portrayal of HIV/AIDS-affected communities in Pakistan.
Diverse media representatives from print, electronic, and digital outlets actively engaged in the workshop, participating vigorously in discussions with trainers and speakers, delving into various aspects of HIV/AIDS reporting.
The inaugural day of the workshop focused on challenging discrimination and stigma associated with HIV/AIDS. Dr. Sikandar Memon, Manager of the CDC HIV at the Communicable Disease Control Center, emphasized the scope, reach, and accomplishments of the AIDS Control Program in Sindh. He underscored the importance of collaborative efforts to combat HIV/AIDS and envisioned a society where individuals with HIV/AIDS are defined by their resilience and potential rather than their status. Dr. Memon stated, "Together, we can create a society where individuals living with HIV/AIDS are not defined by their status but by their resilience and potential. This workshop is a testament to our collective commitment to this cause, and as media has always played an important role in helping the HIV/AIDS-affected community, we are confident that this collaboration with media will continue."
Waheed Ahmed Khalfe, a seasoned journalist with extensive national media experience, provided insights into HIV in Pakistan. He discussed the historical context and challenges surrounding HIV in the country, highlighting how the media can actively address societal stigma. Khalfe emphasized that journalists can significantly contribute to changing public perceptions and reducing discrimination against HIV/AIDS-affected communities in Pakistan by presenting accurate and compassionate stories.
Ms. Sheher Bano, a distinguished journalist and senior trainer, conducted a profound session on fostering empathy towards HIV/AIDS-affected communities. She emphasized, "Empathy is the key to dismantling stereotypes. We must understand that individuals living with HIV/AIDS are living, breathing human beings, and our support could help them live normal, healthy, and productive lives."
On the second day, Ghulam Mustafa Buledi, a senior journalist and an expert in ethical reporting and behavior change communication, emphasized the importance of maintaining ethical standards while reporting sensitive health issues like HIV/AIDS. Buledi stated, "Our role as journalists extends beyond storytelling; it includes safeguarding the dignity and rights of the people we report on."
The workshop also featured valuable insights from Summayyah Rasheed, Program Officer for Stigma and Discrimination, and Dr. Sikandar Memon, Manager of CDC HIV. Summayyah Rasheed provided an overview of the project's objectives and activities, explaining, "Our goal is to reshape the narrative around HIV/AIDS, and this workshop is a significant part of that effort." Dr. Umar Riaz, Program Specialist, emphasized that media professionals play a pivotal role in dispelling myths, reducing stigma, and fostering a more inclusive society for individuals with HIV/AIDS. He stressed the critical nature of collaboration with the media in shaping the future of HIV/AIDS-affected communities towards a brighter, stigma-free future in Pakistan.
Throughout the workshop, Mubashir Akram facilitated engaging training and dialogue sessions.
This Karachi workshop marks UNDP's ongoing commitment to engage with media professionals, ultimately fostering a more compassionate understanding of HIV/AIDS and driving positive change in public perceptions. It is the fourth in a series of five training and consultation workshops, with the final activity scheduled to be held in Quetta, Balochistan.