HIV/AIDS Code of Conduct and Workplace Policy Project Kicks off
The African Comprehensive HIV/AIDS Partnership (ACHAP) in conjunction with the Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) Botswana Chapter has embarked on a pilot project to craft HIV/AIDS code of conduct that will guide journalists in their reportage and help develop and adopt workplace policy for three media houses namely Mmegi, The Voice and Sunday Standard.
The workshop with senior media management involving different departments and in-house training for practising journalists is among the planned activities to be undertaken in the six months period of the project. Atleast 25 Senior Managers from Mmegi, The Voice and Sunday Standard newspapers attended the workshop which was held at Saimed Conference Hall in Gaborone.
This project which started in June will aim at guiding and supporting media practitioners on reporting on HIV and AIDS in a bid to develop the media industry in Botswana. In addition, the project will go a long way in empowering the media to implement their stake as articulated in the National Strategic Framework.
The Code of conduct will address the basic principles of HIV/AIDS reporting, encompassing; accuracy, misconceptions; clarity; balance; accountability; diversity; human rights; Children’s Voices and Discrimination.
HIV/AIDS policy in the workplace remains a fundamental principle for the media’s commitment to the highest standards in their reportage. It is essential for media houses to provide their own employees with accurate information and education on HIV and AIDS as well as access to counseling and referral.
