UNAIDS is ending operations in The Gambia

Local agencies, especially AIDS support societies in The Gambia (where an estimated 500 people still die of HIV/AIDS or related diseases every year) have been taken aback by this decision.

GAMNASS Exhorts Media to support AIDS victims in the fight against stigma and discrimination

The President of Gambia Network of AIDS Support Society, GAMNASS Fatima Gai has urged the Media to join their efforts in support of people living with HIV/AIDS against stigma and discrimination.

Speaking during the opening of a three-day training for Health Journalists on “Gender, Human Rights and HIV/ AIDS” at GAMNASS Office in Banjul, she said HIV/AIDS should be everyone’s business and the media has an important role to play in creating awareness and sensitization to change the perception and understanding of the people on HIV/AIDS.

“The media should advocate for people to go for voluntary counseling and testing. The misconception or perception of people against the disease has brought a serious challenge to people who have chosen to disclosed there status,” she said.