Bano Urges Recognition of Humanity in People Living with HIV/AIDS

News Desk

Karachi: “Together, we can create a society where individuals living with HIV/AIDS are not defined by their status but by their resilience and potential,” stated Communicable Disease Control (CDC) HIV/AIDS Sindh-chapter Manager Imran Ghafoor Memon.

He was speaking during the opening session of a workshop aimed at combating HIV/AIDS discrimination and stigma.

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) conducted a two-day interactive workshop in Karachi to educate media professionals, mostly those who cover health issues, about HIV/AIDS.

This workshop demonstrates our collective commitment to this cause, and we are confident that our collaboration with the media will continue, said Imran Ghafoor.

Journalist Sheher Bano said we must understand that people living with HIV/AIDS are alive, breathing human beings, and our support may help them live normal, healthy and productive lives.

Journalist Waheed Ahmed claimed that through telling honest and compassionate stories, journalists can contribute significantly to change public perceptions and reduce discrimination against HIV/AIDS-affected communities in Pakistan.

Senior Journalist Ghulam Mustafa Buledi underlined the importance of maintaining ethical standards when reporting sensitive health issues as HIV/AIDS, saying that our role as journalists extends beyond storytelling to protect the dignity and rights of the people we cover.

Program Specialist Dr Umar Riaz said that media professionals play a pivotal role in dispelling myths, reducing stigma and fostering a more inclusive society for individuals with HIV/AIDS.

Dr Riaz further stated that collaboration with the media is critical in shaping the lives of the HIV/AIDS-affected communities towards a brighter, stigma-free future in Pakistan.

This workshop was the fourth in the series of five training and consultation workshops, of which the last activity will be held in Quetta, Balochistan.