Harare, Zimbabwe (SAfAIDS MRD) 5 February 2009-Southern Africa HIV and AIDS Information Dissemination Service (SAfAIDS), in collaboration with Population Services International (PSI), is proud to announce the launch of a new 26 – programme radio and television series, ‘Positive Talk’, which will air for the next 6 months on Zimbabwe’s national broadcast stations. The weekly series will air every Sunday evening between 7.30 pm and 8 pm, on ZBC TV, and every Tuesday between 6.30 pm and 7 pm, on Radio Zimbabwe.

‘Positive Talk’ has been produced through a collaboration between SAfAIDS, PSI, the National AIDS Council (NAC) and the Ministry of Health and Child and Welfare, with funding from Zimbabwe’s successful Global Fund, Round 5 bid. The programme will focus on four thematic areas around HIV and AIDS, namely stigma reduction, Provider Initiated Testing and Counselling (PITC), TB and HIV co-infection and Anti-retroviral therapy (ART).

The positive and informative nature of the series is reflected in its name, which highlights the important need for Zimbabweans to engage in open and optimistic discussions about HIV and AIDS. As such, each programme will feature the views and opinions of the public on various topics pertaining to the four thematic areas. Technical experts – including private doctors, nutritionists and experts within the Ministry of Health and Child Welfare – will also contribute by providing important facts and information to clarify any gaps in knowledge that the public might display.

Topics to be covered include the hot debate on the use of herbal and traditional medicines when on ART, the uptake of PITC as a new HIV testing and counselling model, components of positive living with HIV, where and how to access ARVs in Zimbabwe, and many more important discussions.

If you would like to comment on the programme, or ask any questions, feel free to send an email to the following address:

Let’s get talking!

Contact details: positivetalk@safaids.org.zw