Fight against AIDS. Asian journalists must challenge cultural taboos
Mccarthy, M.
Aids Asia Voice of the Asian Solidarity Against Aids 3(6): 15
1996
PMID: 12290312 Document Number: 305786
In the year 2000, 42% of the world's estimated 40 million HIV-infected people will be in Asia, where HIV is transmitted mainly through unprotected heterosexual intercourse. Entire populations need to be taught which behaviors place them at risk for HIV infection and how to avoid them. However, for such educational programs to be effective, the sex practices which put people at risk for infection must be openly discussed in the print and broadcast media. Most Asian journalists do not write and broadcast honest, comprehensive reports on HIV/AIDS risk factors. Believing that they should not discuss such issues openly in their articles and broadcasts, most Asian journalists have done little to change existing cultural values and prejudices about sexuality and the situation of people living with HIV and AIDS. Instead of explaining which sex practices increase the risk of HIV transmission, news coverage in some countries gives the impression that HIV can be spread only through contaminated blood or that it is mainly a disease of IV drug users, foreigners, and those who adopt foreign lifestyles. The English-language media have covered HIV/AIDS better than the local-language media, but they have very little impact upon mainstream thinking and culture.