ABU, KFF Align for HIV/AIDS Coverage

KUALA LUMPUR, July 31: The
Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union (ABU) has teamed up with the Kaiser Family
Foundation (KFF) for a broadcast initiative to cover news from the
International AIDS Conference, which will be held in Mexico City from August 3
to 8.

The ABU-KFF partnership
includes the attendance of five broadcast journalists who will report
throughout the duration of the conference, which focuses on scientific,
programming and policy developments in the global response to HIV/AIDS. ABU
members will receive the “AIDS 2008 Reports” via Intelsat IS-8 and Asiasat AS-2
satellites from August 4 to 6. The reports will also include rights-free video
of the conference and interviews with key speakers and experts.

Participating ABU
broadcasters include China Central Television (CCTV), Media Niugini of Papua New
Guinea (EMTV), PT. Metro Televisi Indonesia (Metro TV), National Broadcasting
Services of Thailand (NBT) and Pakistan Television Corporation Limited (PTV).

“We’re excited to be
working with KFF and to be bringing our members to such an important gathering
of global health experts,” said Francyne Harrigan, the ABU Development Projects
manager. “ABU and our members recognize the powerful role our industry plays in
informing audiences on health issues and welcome the opportunity to cover the
critical issue of HIV/AIDS.”

“Major media companies in
Asia are in a unique position to reach people with lifesaving information about
how to prevent HIV infection,” added Jennifer Kates, the VP and director of HIV
policy at the Kaiser Family Foundation. “And, for those already living with
HIV/AIDS, media can help create a supportive environment by challenging stigma
and stereotypes, and providing critical information about HIV treatment.”

—By Kristin
Brzoznowski