Reporting Manual on HIV/AIDS

This reporting guide is designed for journalists who are covering the global epidemic for the first time and for those who have covered it previously. The Kaiser Family Foundation undertook this project as part of its continuing commitment to supporting good journalism and to combating HIV/AIDS through public education and awareness.    

The material in this special AIDS 2012 edition covers a broad range of subjects including the unique challenges of reporting on HIV/AIDS, treatment and prevention strategies and global efforts to finance the campaign against HIV/AIDS. It also includes an introduction by Kaiser President and CEO Drew Altman, as well as a bonus section designed to acquaint journalists attending the conference with the epidemic in America and Washington, D.C. and the history of the AIDS Conference in the U.S. The epidemic is not only a battle against a virus. It can also be a battle about ideas, cultural taboos, stigma and discrimination. For that reason, we have included information about the political and social aspects of the epidemic and provide journalists with guidance about navigating these issues effectively. Additionally, there is information about malaria and tuberculosis.

Much of this material has been written by experts on HIV/AIDS and communications on the staff of the Kaiser Family Foundation. Some elements have been provided by outside organizations and we are grateful to them. KFF, along with the assistance of local reporters, also has produced several country-specific and region-specific manuals.

The general reporting manual, which is frequently updated online, should be viewed as a reference guide. More in-depth sources of information on HIV/AIDS can be found in Kaiser's HIV/AIDS section and Kaiser's Global Health Gateway. Kaiser also offers animated material designed for television.

Kaiser has always believed that journalists have a significant role to play in informing the public and public policy officials. We hope this reporting guide will contribute to that process. This manual was last updated in July 2012.