BY NAMUKALE KAPENDE
The National AIDS Council has urged the media in the country to invest more resources in information dissemination for decision making across the spectrum of the national development agenda, particularly in the realm of HIV and AIDS in which the misinformation is high.
Speaking during a media breakfast in Lusaka today, NAC Director Dr. Rueben Mbewe says knowledge leading to desired behavior change such as better health seeking behaviors, HIV infection risk reduction behaviors, dispelling of myths and other harmful practices cannot be achieved in the absence of the media.
Dr Mbewe stressed that it is therefore incumbent upon media outlets continually provide information to help members of the public make informed decisions on health in general and HIV and Aids in particular.
The NAC Director also observed that the dissemination of the correct information can minimize and ultimately eliminate discrimination against people living with HIV and AIDS which he said is very rife in our communities.
Dr Mbewe also took a swipe at some clergymen who are preaching faith healing over HIV/AIDS treatment.
He emphasized that there is currently no substitute for anti-retroviral drugs as treatment for HIV.
Ends/NK