Advocacy: Journalists urged to report on abuse, HIV/AIDS in youth

Limited insights on these issues cause parents to <br /> take ill-informed decisions, say experts.

PESHAWAR: The absence of information on youth behaviour serves as a major cause of insecurity and instability in Pakistan, said experts at a media sensitisation workshop held on Wednesday. The session sought to improve the quality of media coverage of issues faced by the younger population.

The workshop was organised by Ehad organisation which advocates parents and caretakers to provide proper guidance to their children. Journalists from print and online media participated to gain the necessary skills to report on youth issues in a responsible manner.

Speaking at the workshop, master trainer and communication expert Wajih Akhtar pointed out there were limited insights on the incidence of child abuse, substance abuse and HIV/AIDS in young people. This, he said, causes parents to take ill-informed decisions and develop negative perceptions.

“One of the major reasons [parents remain unaware] is the lack of media coverage given to these issues,” he said. These matters need to be openly discussed to develop consistent solutions, he added.

AIDS

An HIV/AIDS specialist from the Family Care Centre in Hayatabad Medical Complex said around 1,500 cases have been reported across Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) in 2014. Prompt treatment is the only way to manage the disease, added the specialist.

However, he added there was a glaring lack of awareness about HIV/AIDS in the province. The specialist insisted hospitals in the province should provide HIV/AIDS tests and treatment free of cost.

Trainers present also spoke to journalists about how to cover sensitive issues regarding children and the youth while respecting their right of privacy.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 11^th, 2014.