Malawi Aids Commission to train scribes in HIV and AIDS reporting
The National AIDS Commission (NAC) has organized a series of capacity building workshops for Malawian media to improve the way journalists think about and practice HIV/AIDS reporting.
The workshops are scheduled to take place in all the three regions in the country, with the Central Region Workshop set for tomorrow (Thursday), November 15 at the BridgeView Hotel, Lilongwe.
The Guest of Honor for the Central Region Workshop will be NAC Executive Director Dr Thomas Bisika, widely commended for his passionate advocacy for increased role of the media in the national response.
Nyasa Timeshas established that under Bisika’s leadership, NAC has provided various grants and other forms of logistical and technical support to most media houses, including Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA), Malawi Chapter.
The current workshops are one of those platforms that Dr. Bisika has provided to Malawian media houses and practitioners.
The three regional workshops have been organized in collaboration with MISA Malawi whose National Director, Aubrey Chikungwa is among the lead expert trainers.
Other trainers include Dr Frank Chimbwandira, Director of the Department of HIV and AIDS – Ministry of Health; Levi Zeleza Manda – University of Malawi, Polytechnic; Henry Chimbali – Health Education Services, Ministry of Health; and Dr Mufunanji Magalasi, University of Malawi, Chancellor College.
Speaking in a telephone interview, NAC’s Head of Social and Behavior Change, Dr. Linje Manyozo appreciated the wonderful efforts that Malawian media are putting in the fight against the pandemic.
“These workshops will challenge journalists to come up with captivating stories that will mobilize people to think beyond their horizons, as the country strives to achieve the three zeros –Zero new infections, Zero AIDS-related deaths and Zero cases of stigma and discrimination. The media have been the trusted foot soldiers of the national response in the country,” confessed Dr. Manyozo a former lecturer of media studies at London School of Economics.
Many media houses and of course independent practitioners have confirmed their participation in the workshop. Nyasa Times reporter will be among the participants at this workshop.
