An estimated 40 million people are living with HIV worldwide, and over 8,000 die of AIDS-related illnesses each day. Halting this devastating epidemic will require active involvement by political leaders, scientists, religious leaders, educators, health professionals, aid workers, and ordinary people.

MEDIA AND HIV/AIDS

Journalists have a unique role to play in opening dialogue and helping to change the social norms surrounding HIV/AIDS. Prevention, care and treatment programs are much more successful in a social environment where AIDS is addressed in a spirit of openness and honesty.

This issue of Internews Report describes Internews programs that harness the power of the media to confront HIV/AIDS around the world. These initiatives include producing radio and TV programs that reduce HIV-related stigma, training media professionals how to cover the issue effectively, establishing media resource centers on HIV/AIDS, and providing other support to journalists covering the issue. Information is power— and on this issue, the media literally have the power to save lives.