A radio programme seeks to reduce the stigma

Since the beginning of its regional advocacy project on the rights of people living with HIV/AIDS in 11 African countries, AZUR Development and CJESS, a youth club on sexuality in Pointe-Noire, Congo have produced various radio programmes.

”This is not content that we used to listen” said listeners. Herman Malanda, CJESS Coordinator and host of the radio programme said that the listeners were surprised and interested. SMS and calls were made requesting more information on AIDS treatment and how people could live with HIV

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What was interesting about these radio programmes, is that it has broken the taboo and the lack of information on how a family could care of a person infected with HIV.

We often hear that parents don’t want to spend their money for HIV-positive people regarded as “dying” and therefore no need to waste their time. These radio programmestherefore aimed at educating families about the fact that living with HIV is not a crime and everyone should be loved and solidarity shown for people living with HIV.

Ultimately, the listeners, mostly women appreciated the initiative to speak on this important issue at the moment where stigma and discrimination at all levels of society becoming more common.

Other radio programmes are planned soon on the issues of HIV/AIDS and violence against women and girls.

Sylvie Niombo