On July 25, 2024, the AIDS 2024 Conference hosted a pivotal panel discussion titled “Putting People First: Translating Science and Policy to the World.” This session gathered some of the world’s leading journalists and media professionals to explore the crucial role of media in translating scientific advancements and public health policies into actionable information for global communities.
The discussion discussed the successes and challenges of making complex scientific concepts and policies accessible to the public, emphasizing the need to empower communities with knowledge to make informed decisions. For “VirusOFF” as a regional media platform, it was an honor to participate in such discussion with leading HIV related media professionals from the world.
Moderated by Peter-Philipp Schmitt of Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, the panel featured next journalists:
- Apoorva Mandavilli (The New York Times, USA)
- Ashleigh Furlong (Bloomberg, UK)
- Kat Lay (The Guardian, UK)
- Mia Malan (Bhekisisa Centre for Health Journalism, South Africa)
- Armen Aghajanov (VirusOFF | Alliance Consultancy, Ukraine, EECA)
- Michael David Tan (Outrage Magazine, Philippines)
The panel began with Mr Schmitt reflecting on the unprecedented significance of this year’s conference, particularly in light of two major announcements: the remission of the second Berlin patient and the promising results from the Lenacapavir trial. These developments highlight significant progress in HIV research, which has transformed HIV into a manageable chronic condition over the past four decades. The challenge is to ensure these scientific advances reach those who need them most, particularly in lower- and middle-income countries.
Peter-Philipp Schmitt emphasized the media’s critical role in communicating these developments to the public, noting that scientific breakthroughs, such as new prevention tools and potential cures, require careful handling to avoid misinformation and undue optimism. The media’s responsibility includes balancing the reporting of significant scientific progress with managing public expectations, especially regarding potential cures that are not yet scalable or affordable.
Apoorva Mandavilli of The New York Times discussed how HIV reporting has evolved, shifting from highlighting inequities in treatment access to focusing on scientific advancements. “It struck me when I was listening to some of the panelists that I think people have this impression that these problems don’t exist in the US. Of course, they are much worse in many parts of the world, but some of the same things like criminalisation of HIV or people not having access to PrEP persist everywhere». Mandavilli stressed as well the importance of humanizing scientific stories to make them resonate with readers.
Ashleigh Furlong of Bloomberg addressed the dual challenge of reporting on pharmaceutical advances while ensuring the human impact of these developments is not overlooked. Furlong emphasized the need for journalists to make complex drug trial results relatable by focusing on the people who benefit from these innovations.
Kat Lay of The Guardian talked about the evolving nature of human interest stories in HIV reporting. «In the past, written was okay. But now when we come up with written reports, we also have to come up with something visual because younger people tend to source information from TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube. Even the media has had to evolve. Traditional media and community media must adapt to reach the audiences we want to reach, especially with misinformation spreading so easily on social media.” She noted a shift from solely focusing on victims to highlighting individuals and communities making a difference through scientific research or grassroots initiatives. Kat Lay also discussed the importance of giving positive developments, not just crises, adequate media attention.
Mia Malan from South Africa’s Bhekisisa Centre for Health Journalism provided insights into how HIV reporting has changed in South Africa, especially given the country’s complex political history with HIV denialism. She discussed the critical role of the media in educating the public about new prevention tools like injectable PrEP, the importance of accurate reporting in public health, especially in the context of the increasing use of artificial intelligence. “Artificial intelligence brings both challenges and possibilities. While it can be used to spread misinformation, it also provides tools to counter it more effectively. During COVID, we saw how misinformation could actually provide story ideas. When certain myths began to spread, we knew it was time to create explainer content to counteract them.“
Michael David Tan of Outrage Magazine highlighted the challenges in the Philippines, where HIV prevention and treatment often depend on donor agencies rather than scientific evidence. He stressed the need for local scientific findings to be valued equally with Western sources and the role of media in advocating for access to new prevention tools in contexts where political will may be lacking.
Armen Aghajanov of VirusOFF shared the unique challenges faced by LGBTQ+ communities in Eastern Europe and Central Asia, where political repression and misinformation hinder the dissemination of accurate scientific information. He emphasized the need for reliable media to combat misinformation and support communities living under oppressive regimes. “While social media platforms offer a powerful means to spread information, they also facilitate the rapid spread of misinformation. Influencers, who often have large followings, can amplify accurate and misleading information, making it challenging for the public to discern trustworthy sources. The media’s responsibility is to report accurately and transparently. Unlike those spreading misinformation, journalists need to acknowledge and correct mistakes.”
The panel highlighted the difficulty of translating intricate scientific data into formats that are easily understandable for the general public. While scientific research is often detailed in academic papers, the general audience requires more digestible and engaging content. This gap can lead to misunderstandings or oversimplifications of critical information.
The discussion underscored the necessity of collaborative efforts between scientists, policymakers, and media professionals. Effective communication strategies must involve not only translating scientific findings into accessible language but also engaging with various media channels to reach diverse audiences. The panelists recommended several strategies to enhance the communication of HIV science and policy. These include investing in media training for researchers, developing partnerships with credible influencers, and utilizing innovative communication platforms to engage younger audiences. By adopting these strategies, the aim is to improve public understanding and support for effective HIV interventions.
The panel underscored the critical role of media in translating complex scientific research and policies into actionable public health information. By focusing on the human impact of HIV and ensuring that the benefits of scientific progress are communicated effectively, the media can empower communities worldwide to make informed decisions. As the fight against HIV continues, the collaboration between scientists, policymakers, and journalists will remain essential in overcoming the challenges ahead.
Photos: © Marcus Rose / IAS
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