1. Media and HIV/AIDS Anso Thom, Health-e News Service, South Africa

2. Examples of coverage specifically related to gay and lesbian issues

5. “The new plague/leprosy: Homos in a panic”

6. Visitor: How did you get Aids? Patient: A “poefadder” bit me Puff adder= snake Poef=derogatory term for a gay man

8. Extraordinary disease - Our response as the media -Responsibility/role of the media -Individual responsibility -Voice of the poor, vulnerable -Influence public debate, policy, public discourse -Need to challenge the wrongs -‘War’ correspondent

9. Criticism from civil society/community groups Disproportionate vulnerability of vulnerable groups – little understanding Result? Sensational, overly simplistic representation of issues Link between human rights violations and HIV vulnerability - criminalisation Fail to draw opinion from organisations working with vulnerable groups Invisible group – stereotype Sexual behaviour in prisons – moralistic undertones? Lack of positive stories

10. Marathon runner Baby steps Follow-ups Going back Keeping the story alive – role of community organisations/civil society Time to get to grips Dedication Not a job

11. Approach at Health-e Deciding on a story – what triggers it?  Access  Role players  Affected parties  Sense of needing to get voices heard  Informing/educating the public  Injustice  Nobody else prepared to dedicated time and resources

12. Health-e Big focus = Service delivery in public sector Asking specifically how vulnerable populations catered for Shame that need a parallel service – are they getting such a service? Prevention messaging as important as access to treatment – is it targeted? Accountability

13. Human dimension Critical part Complex Our responsibility Scoop mentality Once-off story Follow-up Respect Language Confidentiality

14. Photographs/Visuals Understanding Respect Making the best decision for the subject

15. Developing relationships Long term Commitment Dedicating time Getting the story right Responsibility of journalist operating within a complex environment/topic Getting journalist to understand why they should care Strong civil society Checking facts

16. Problem areas Allowing the moralistic, dangerous voices to be heard No pressure in terms of asking questions from researchers (research uncomfortable, complex) Holding funders accountable Laws don’t change people’s attitudes – Going the distance Overwhelmed

17. Developing relationships Research – Releasing complex data which could reinforce prejudice Packaging the information you share carefully Always available Painting the broader picture – impact on the broader community Commitment to educate SA vs rest of the continent – Possible avenues Not lump all three vulnerable communities together

18. Tapping into the media Letters to the editor Opinion pages Electronic media especially radio Web – using outside media to create consciousness around what happening in other countries Newspapers – M&G Good story will always be told

19. Health-e News Service www.health-e.org.za +27-21-6838099 editor@health-e.org.za