KUALA LUMPUR, July 5 — The Malaysian AIDS Council (MAC) has called on local media to adopt a more sensitive approach towards reporting on People Living with HIV (PLHIV) to combat prejudice and discrimination. This appeal follows the publication of a tabloid article on June 19, which disclosed the HIV status of a pregnant woman on trial without her consent, sparking widespread negative sentiment on social media.
MAC President Associate Professor Dr. Raja Iskandar Shah bin Raja Azwa emphasized the detrimental impact such coverage has on the PLHIV community, potentially increasing stigma and preventing individuals from seeking necessary screening and care. Highlighting the importance of ethical journalism, he urged media practitioners to support the National Strategic Plan to End AIDS by 2030, which seeks to reduce stigma and enhance access to HIV treatment. MAC plans to conduct awareness programs with media professionals to promote ethical reporting and share advancements in HIV prevention and treatment.
