Reporting HIV in Australia: Information for Journalists 2009

3rd edition, 2009. Written by Sally Cameron. Edited by Abigail Groves.

© Australian Federation of AIDS Organisations (AFAO)

HIV is a story of critical importance. All audiences deserve full, accurate and intelligent coverage of HIV and the media has a significant role to play. Effective reporting requires being well informed about HIV and its social and medical implications. It can also challenge myths and misinformation about HIV. Though many consider HIV irrelevant to their lives, it affects all sections of society.

Strong media output can better inform the Australian population about the risk of HIV transmission and the realities of living with the virus, while inaccurate or inappropriate reporting can undermine HIV prevention efforts and stigmatise people living with HIV. Journalists can assist in preventing HIV by doing their utmost to report stories involving HIV with objectivity, care and attention to detail.

Reporting HIV in Australia: Information for Journalists includes a language guide, facts about HIV and AIDS, backgrounders to the epidemic in Australia and globally, information about transmission, testing, treatment, prevention and legal regulation, as well as a guide to principles for reporting on HIV and AIDS.

The book is the third revised edition of a booklet originally published as the HIV/AIDS Media Guide. It was launched on 18 June 2009 at Parliament House by Senator Louise Pratt.

Download Reporting HIV in Australia (PDF, 1MB)

For a print copy email fokeefe@afao.org.au

Audio

Listen to the speeches from the launch.

Senator Louise Pratt

Professor Michael Kidd (Chair of the Ministerial Advisory Committee on Blood Borne Viruses and STIs)

Gabi Rosenstreich from the National LGBT Health Alliance

Robert Mitchell (NAPWA President)

Dr Graham Brown (AFAO President)

Don Baxter (AFAO Executive Director)

Closing comments (Graham Brown)

This page last updated: 25 June 2009