Global Media AIDS Initiative Launched to Combat HIV/AIDS Epidemic

Strategic Insights -

United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan has called on major media organizations to commit to using their resources to expand public knowledge and understanding about HIV/AIDS, acknowledging that media represents an often overlooked and underutilized resource in the fight against the global AIDS epidemic. The Global Media AIDS Initiative aims to activate media organizations to reach the world's people, especially youth, with information about how to prevent and treat HIV and combat AIDS-related stigma and discrimination.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Global Media AIDS Initiative aims to activate media organizations to reach the world's people, especially youth, with information about how to prevent and treat HIV and combat AIDS-related stigma and discrimination.
  • UNAIDS estimates that two-thirds of the 45 million new HIV infections projected to occur worldwide over the next decade could be stemmed with greater access to effective prevention and public education efforts.
  • Current levels of knowledge and awareness of HIV/AIDS vary widely around the world, with a very large percentage of people having never heard of the disease, even in regions worst affected by the epidemic.
  • A survey conducted in Bolivia found that 74% of young women either did not know AIDS existed or harbored serious misconceptions about it.
  • More than 50% of young people aged 15 to 24 do not know how HIV is transmitted, according to surveys in 40 countries worldwide.
  • Stigmatization and discrimination against people living with HIV continue to be among the greatest barriers to preventing the spread of new infections and providing adequate care and support.
  • Major media companies are encouraged to undertake specific efforts to expand public knowledge and understanding about HIV/AIDS, including developing AIDS programming and outreach through partnerships with other interested organizations, the United Nations, and non-governmental and community organizations.
  • The Secretary-General has asked that media companies commit to using their resources to expand public knowledge and understanding about HIV/AIDS.
  • The Global AIDS Media Initiative signals a new and expanded commitment by media leaders that will reach millions more people with public health information, according to Drew E. Altman, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Kaiser Family Foundation.

Statistics:

  • 45 million new HIV infections are projected to occur worldwide over the next decade.
  • Two-thirds of these new infections could be stemmed with greater access to effective prevention and public education efforts, according to UNAIDS estimates.
  • 40 million people are living with HIV or AIDS worldwide.
  • 5 million people were newly infected with HIV in 2003 alone.
  • 3 million people died of AIDS in 2003, bringing the total number of deaths since the start of the epidemic to more than 20 million.
  • In 21 African countries, more than 60% of girls have at least one major misconception about the virus or are unaware of its existence.
  • In Bolivia, 74% of young women either did not know AIDS existed or harbored serious misconceptions about it.

Sources:

  • UNAIDS
  • Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS)
  • The Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation
  • Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
  • UN Department of Public Information
  • UNAIDS
  • Kaiser Family Foundation