Chinhoyi, (New Ziana) –The significant progress that Zimbabwe has made in combating HIV over the years can be attributed to the strength of its multi-sectoral response, with the media playing a vital role, a senior government official has said.
Permanent secretary in the Ministry of Health and Child Care, Dr Aspect Maunganidze, said this while addressing editors at a workshop organized by the National AIDS Council (NAC) in Chinhoyi on Tuesday.
The workshop aims to reinforce the crucial role of editors in the fight against HIV and AIDS, while also providing the latest updates on the national response to ensure accurate and responsible reporting.
Dr Maunganidze highlighted that Zimbabwe’s achievements in reducing HIV-related stigma and discrimination, and combating myths and misinformation, have been made possible through ongoing collaboration with the media, adding these efforts have helped to break down barriers of social exclusion and increase awareness.
“As editors, you are the gatekeepers of information. The choices you make regarding what is reported and the space allocated in your outlets play a critical role in educating, influencing, and transforming societal attitudes and behaviors,” he said.
“Your role is pivotal in ensuring accurate, objective, and sensitive reporting. By debunking myths and promoting awareness, you help contribute to public health and well-being through responsible media coverage,” he added.
He emphasized that accurate and timely dissemination of information has always been a cornerstone of public health efforts, which is prioritized by policymakers, media practitioners, and the public alike.
Dr Maunganidze further stated that the workshop was convened to emphasize the importance of editors continuing to prioritize HIV and related health issues in their coverage.
“Without correct and current information, the public is left vulnerable to the dangers of misinformation, often spread through social media,” he said.
He said while significant progress has been made in the HIV response, including reductions in HIV incidence and prevalence, as well as the scaling up of antiretroviral therapy (ART) to meet the 95-95-95 global targets, challenges persist that must be addressed.
Climate change-induced diseases, along with emerging epidemics like COVID-19 and Mpox, pose new threats, and the health system must remain vigilant and resilient in responding to these, he warned, stressing the need for editors to recognize the interconnectedness of HIV with other health challenges.
“We cannot address HIV in isolation, it must be part of a broader, integrated approach to universal health coverage,” he said.
As Zimbabwe moves towards its goal of ending AIDS by 2030, Dr Maunganidze reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to continued partnership with the media in the ongoing fight against the pandemic.
New Ziana
