Journalists in Zimbabwe have been called upon to take a more proactive and responsible role in disseminating information on HIV prevention and supporting survivors of gender-based violence (GBV), a leading driver of new HIV infections in the country. The call was made during a recent National AIDS Council (NAC) engagement in Masvingo, where media practitioners were introduced to the Start Awareness Support Action (SASA) approach, currently being implemented in Zaka District.
The SASA approach is designed to provide comprehensive support to survivors of sexual GBV while raising awareness of available HIV prevention strategies. Participants were briefed on the importance of ensuring that communities have access to critical health information, including services such as Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) for individuals who may have been exposed to HIV, and Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) for those at ongoing risk.
Speaking at the session, Masvingo Provincial NAC Acting Manager, Mr Munorwei Munyikwa, emphasised the vital role of media in shaping public perceptions and behaviours related to HIV and GBV. “We have engaged media personnel in Masvingo Province to deepen their understanding of the SASA approach. We continue to experience cases of sexual gender-based violence, and it is important for survivors to prioritise seeking health services. HIV prevention methods, such as PEP and PrEP, are available to assist those at risk,” Munyikwa said.
The training session attracted journalists from across Masvingo Province, many of whom pledged to strengthen their reporting on health issues. They acknowledged the power of the media to influence public attitudes and behaviour and stressed the need for accurate, responsible, and informed health reporting.
Zimbabwe Union of Journalists (ZUJ) president, George Maponga, highlighted the critical intersection between media work and national health priorities. “We are grateful for the training, which enhances journalistic reporting on HIV and AIDS. These issues are central to the work of journalists because the HIV pandemic affects social and economic structures nationwide,” he said. Maponga also noted that misreporting or gaps in reporting have in the past hindered national efforts to combat HIV. “In many instances, journalists have failed to adequately support the fight against the pandemic due to lack of knowledge or ignorance. In other cases, skewed reporting has overlooked key aspects necessary to help the nation in combating HIV and AIDS,” he added.
Media Urged to Strengthen Role in HIV Prevention and Support for GBV Survivors
Several participants underscored the value of health communication training in enabling journalists to act as effective partners in national development. One journalist explained, “Engagements like this are important as they remind us of the critical role we have in society. We have a mandate to assist the government in the fight against HIV and AIDS. We must go beyond news gathering to ensure that the articles we produce empower and educate communities.”
Another participant highlighted how the training enhanced practical skills in reporting on sensitive health issues. “We have been learning about health communication, particularly in relation to HIV and AIDS reporting. The training has emphasised responsible journalism while also raising awareness on critical issues affecting our society,” the journalist said.
The NAC initiative comes amid notable progress in Zimbabwe’s fight against HIV. According to NAC data, the country has achieved significant reductions in HIV prevalence, declining from 13.6 percent in 2016 to 11 percent in 2023. These gains, however, depend heavily on continued public education, robust reporting, and community engagement to address both the health and social dimensions of the epidemic.
GBV remains a critical concern, particularly as sexual violence contributes significantly to new HIV infections. Media practitioners are uniquely positioned to amplify the voices of survivors, encourage uptake of prevention methods, and dispel stigma that often surrounds survivors of abuse. NAC officials emphasised that media coverage must be balanced, factual, and sensitive, avoiding sensationalism while promoting evidence-based information.
The engagement in Masvingo reflects a broader strategy by NAC to strengthen partnerships with the media across Zimbabwe. By equipping journalists with the necessary tools, knowledge, and ethical frameworks, the council aims to enhance public understanding, foster survivor confidence, and support the nation’s broader HIV prevention objectives.
Journalists, in turn, expressed commitment to translating the training into practice, acknowledging that informed reporting has the power to save lives. As one participant concluded, “The media plays a pivotal role in health communication. Our work can influence attitudes, behaviours, and ultimately outcomes in the fight against HIV and gender-based violence.”
Through initiatives like the SASA approach, NAC continues to prioritise prevention, awareness, and survivor support, while recognising that partnerships with the media are essential to sustaining Zimbabwe’s progress in combating HIV and GBV.
Source- ZBC
