Understand the science
Journalists need to report HIV in a way that is accurate and easily understood, yet the science can seem complex to those unfamiliar with the commonly used terms.
Tips for reporting HIV science:
- Understand the basics, such as how HIV is transmitted, developments in HIV treatment and HIV prevention, the lifecycle of the virus and how it affects the body, and the difference between HIV and AIDS
- Use correct terminology (e.g., ‘antiretroviral treatment’ or 'HIV medication', rather than ‘AIDS drugs’).
- Familiarise yourself with key terms such as antiretroviral, CD4 count, viral load, post- exposure prophylaxis (PEP) and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP)
- Consult with a subject matter expert, such as an expert body, to confirm your understanding of a topic or issue.
See also: The facts about HIV