Reporting on Children in the Context of HIV/AIDS

Drawing on the findings of recent media research, this resource aims to provide journalists with relevant reference information and tips for reporting on children in the context of the AIDS epidemic. It aims to assist journalists to report accurately and sensitively, in a way that engages the debates, tackles issues of implementation, and highlights areas where the government does not live up to its promises. While primarily designed for South African journalists and editors, according to the authors, the resource contains information that could be useful elsewhere in southern Africa.

The Report consists of six parts which cover the following content:

• Recent research and thinking around the ways in which children are affected by HIV/AIDS, including being ophaned.
• Key issues in responding to children affected by HIV/AIDS for journalists, including clinical interventions, such as prevention of mother-to-child transmission and antiretroviral treatment, and social support for affected communities.
• Misleading messages that the media perpetuates in its coverage. It challenges journalists to contextualise stories and not to compromise children's well being through stereotyping.
• Five guiding principles for reporting on children and HIV/AIDS, including issues of confidentiality and children’s right to participate in matters that concern them.
• A detailed resource list, including organisations that conduct research into children affected by the epidemic, that can provide up-to-date statistics, and that work directly with children and their families.