National AIDS Commission Holds Media Training for several Journalists in Monrovia

The National AIDS Commission on Tuesday, September 29, conducted a One-Day Media Training for several reporters in Monrovia

The meeting which took place at the Corina Hotel, Sinkor Monrovia, brought together over twenty Media professionals and Partners.

In her opening statement, the Chairperson at the Commission, Dr. Cecelia J Nuta extolled Journalists for being one of the Partners in the national response and calls for collective efforts if Liberia must be among countries ending AIDS by 2030.

Additionally, she stressed the need of having trained reporters who will assist the NAC in translating HIV information into messages that ordinary Liberians can understand and take action.

Acknowledging the pivotal role of the media in the fight against HIV and AIDS, the NAC boss cautioned Journalists to engage into ethical reporting void of stigma and discrimination.

She however called on Journalists to protect he rights of people living with HIV, prevent stigma and safeguard confidentiality and ensure that the public receives accurate, balanced, and evidence-based information.

For his part, UNAIDS Country Rep, Sandi A Cooper, lauded the NAC for such a great initiative, but however stressed the need to hold similar meeting with Heads of media institutions as well as Editors. He furthered, the decision to bring reporters together under one umbrella is timely especially when the NAC is preparing to announce the 2025 estimates (data). Mr Cooper disclosed that with the called meeting, Journalists will be able break HIV information into simplest terms that everyone can digest. “Now when you leave this meeting, we expect you to help the Commission to translate HIV information for the general public and even after the release of the spectrum report, you all will now explain the data in simple terms” he added

After several key presentations, the media thanked the NAC for deepening their understanding on HIV reporting and pleaded for constant refresher which they believe will help shape their reporting pattern when it comes to HIV/AIDS. In addition, the reporters then expressed the need to extend the training to other parts of Liberia.