Press Releases

Start the Press

Date: 08-11-2007

Tel: 020 7017 8910 - Mob:  07854737125

Press Release

A ground-breaking report launched today challenges African communities in the UK and the media to combat stigma around HIV and AIDS.

Published by and based on research conducted by the African HIV Policy Network (AHPN) and Panos London, the report, Start the Press, argues that the media can make a real difference to the lives of thousands of African migrants. African people account for the greatest number of new diagnoses in Britain but are failing to come forward for testing or to access health services because of stigma and discrimination.

As an African person living with HIV and interviewed for the report said:

“I feel so limited to express myself to the community I live in… Although I have the zeal and desire to educate and raise awareness, I am scared for my children and my family’s lives too.”

Research conducted for the report into how UK media cover the issue of HIV and African migration, found that the press predominantly framed HIV as a disease in Africa; that few articles actually covered HIV and migration, and the vulnerability of African migrants in the UK; and the fact that people living with HIV are rarely quoted.

The report proposes that the media can help change this situation by challenging discrimination, presenting accurate facts about HIV transmission, highlighting where and how to access support, and featuring inspiring stories of people living with HIV.

The Thomson Foundation is collaborating with AHPN to deliver workshops to enhance the capacity of HIV advocates to work with BME media.

Neil Gerrard MP, Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on AIDS, who launched the report today at an event that brought together journalists, editors and African communities, commented:

“HIV has no boundaries. It affects us all. It is therefore crucial that we tackle HIV stigma, which impacts on the lives of people living with HIV and prevents people from coming forward to test. The media can play a vital role in presenting accurate information about HIV and challenging any discrimination against people living with HIV.”

The African HIV Policy Network is also calling on greater leadership from people living with HIV, African communities, politicians, celebrities and others in speaking out to confront stigma and reduce vulnerability to HIV in the UK.

Current supporters include Arsenal Football Club who has publicly stated:

“Arsenal Football Club understands the importance of this work and will be supporting this initiative to help tackle HIV stigma experienced by African communities in the UK.”

and Diane Abbott MP, who says:

“The ongoing stigmatisation of HIV/AIDS makes it harder for people to access the help and support they might need, and means organisations like the AHPN are vital in reaching out to vulnerable people. I wholeheartedly back this work.”

ENDS

For more information, contact Georgina Caswell, African HIV Policy Network on 020 7017 8910, or by email: georgina.caswell@ahpn.org

A press briefing will be held at The Commonwealth Club, 25 Northumberland Avenue, London WC2N at 6.00pm on Thursday 8 November 2007. The report will be launched by Neil Gerrard MP, Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on AIDS.

Representatives of all participating organisations, including people living with HIV, will be available for interview. Please arrange with Sonali Morjaria on the day.

To confirm your attendance, please contact Barbara Sherwin, Ethnic Communications on 020 7379 4222, or by email: barbara@ec-gb.com

 
Notes for editors:

The African HIV Policy Network (AHPN) advocates for fair policies for African people living with HIV in the UK www.ahpn.org 

Panos London is part of a global not-for-profit network that promotes the participation of poor and marginalised people in international development debates through media and communication projects www.panos.org.uk 

The Thomson Foundation is an international media for development NGO, which exists to improve communication around the world www.thomsonfoundation.org.uk

Start the Press has been published by the AHPN and Panos London as part of the Changing Perspectives media work coordinated by the AHPN, Panos London and the Thomson Foundation.  It draws on a content analysis of print media coverage from both national and ethnic newspapers.

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