‘Visibility is key’: Advocates launch HIV campaign, reporting guide for media

In anticipation of World AIDS Day in December, a coalition of advocates unveiled the “Empowered Stories: Media Guide on HIV Reporting” which aimed at steering Filipino journalists away from sensationalized reporting on the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

“The guide, part of the ‘Visibility is Key’ campaign, seeks to foster truthful, empowering, and human rights-based narratives surrounding HIV issues in the Philippines,” the organization said on Nov. 29.

Based on the latest data from the Department of Health–Epidemiology Bureau (DOH–EB), an estimated 164,400 people are living with HIV, with 24,400 new infections expected in 2022, 47 percent of which are among the youth aged 15 to 24.

With the Philippines experiencing a 418 percent surge in new HIV infections and a 518 percent increase in AIDS-related deaths between 2010 and 2022, the need for “accurate reporting” is crucial.

Negative impact

TLF SHARE Collective, Inc. President

Anastacio Marasigan emphasized the negative impact of sensationalized reporting, stating it hinders testing and treatment.

Concerning this, he noted that as part of the larger “Visibility is Key” campaign, the media guide is complemented by a series of videos featuring people living with HIV (PLHIV) from diverse backgrounds.

Meanwhile, UNAIDS Philippines Country Director Dr. Louie Ocampo stressed the importance of spotlighting the lives of PLHIVs to dispel misconceptions and foster empathy.

“Persons living with HIV can lead healthy and happy lives and can contribute to nation-building,” he said. “Highlighting their stories will dispel misconceptions, foster empathy, and create an environment of acceptance,” he added.

Additionally, Action for Health Initiatives, Inc. (ACHIEVE), Executive Director Mara Quesada emphasized the necessity of meaningful community participation in combating the rising HIV incidence.

“Understanding the realities faced by affected communities helps ensure that the national HIV response is relevant and effective,” she said.

“It is time to let communities be seen and lead. It is time to change genres in storytelling about HIV from horror stories into stories of hope,” Quesada explained. “We need a stronger stance against stigma and discrimination,” she added.

Moreover, Ocampo underscored the media’s unique role in fostering open dialogue and education to achieve a world without AIDS by 2030.