Media Institute of Southern Africa : Promoting Media Diversity . Pluralism . Self-Sufficiency . Independence

General Meeting (AGM) held in Tanzania, 2003 and which concluded with the adoption of the Konduchi Declaration on HIV and AIDS.

The development of this Programme of Action on HIV and AIDS and the media is an expression of commitment by MISA to scaling up the efforts of the media industry to respond to the epidemic in the workplace and in our communities. This Programme of Action expresses solidarity and support for all people living with and affected by HIV AND AIDS and especially media workers and their families.

MISA plans to campaign and advocate for media industry workplace policies on HIV and AIDS so that at least 80% of media institutions have these policies and programmes by end of SPP2 in accordance with SADC and ILO Codes of Conduct.

This objective recognizes the media workers and their families are vulnerable to HIV and AIDS infection. The implementation of workplace based policies and programmes contributes towards breaking down myths and stereotypes. The implementation of workplace based policies and programmes will contribute towards improved reporting by ensuring that all media workers are provided with the facts concerning HIV and AIDS as it effectes them personally. It is recognized that some institutions already have developed policies and programmes that can serve as best practices to others within the region.

Furthermore, MISA hopes that by the end of SPP2 a more enabling environment for media reporting through establishing standards for media reporting, increasing the understanding of editors on issues relating to HIV and AIDS and ensuring better regional coordination

MISA in conjunction with media partners is currently developing a regional ethical framework that can be utilized by countries in developing national frameworks. The integration of gender and HIV and AIDS into this framework will protect the rights of people living with and affected by HIV and AIDS. The integration of gender and HIV and AIDS into the curricula of tertiary institutions will ensure that reporting is more gender sensitive and that reporting integrates HIV and AIDS into all areas.

Editors are the main decision makers and set policies regarding reporting ensuring that HIV and AIDS is a continuous item on the agenda by creating a more enabling environment for reporting on HIV and AIDS in the news room.

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