Media involved in AIDS information dissemination

Malawi's National AIDS Commission (NAC) and local media houses are currently discussing how journalists can help implement the country's national HIV/AIDS policy. Launched earlier this year by former President Bakili Muluzi, the policy aims to engage key institutions, like the media, in planning, coordinating and ensuring common standards in response to the AIDS crisis. Rita Chilolgozi, resident advisor of the policy project, said the main aim of the NAC was to disseminate the HIV/AIDS policy. "We need to use the media as a tool to help the people of Malawi understand the issues. Writing documents that no one sees just isn't enough. The media must be used as a channel through which to pass on the message," a local newspaper, The Chronicle, quoted Chilolgozi as saying.