GCM’s Deborah Baron, who coordinates the MMCI and mentors the GCM fellows, worked with fellow Munyaradzi Chimwara to conduct a media and communications training with researchers and trial staff from the Microbicides Trial Network, International Programme for Microbicides, and other research networks on 28 June in Harare, Zimbabwe.

Aside from a few media savvy veterans, most of the participants had minimal or no experience nor training in working with the media. One medical officer noted, “I don’t like talking to media because they don’t include what I tell them about my study anyway.”

After spending a day learning tips and techniques on how to explain prevention research and his study more clearly, he realized that working with the media is a two-way street, and he now feels more equipped to meet them halfway.

The following day, the facilitators hosted a journalists’ training with local print, radio, and TV journalists.  Following sessions on the HIV life cycle and a talk on the ethics of research with a representative from the Medical Research Council, Baron and Chimwara led a discussion on the common challenges that journalists face. They offered creative ways to keep readers interested in HIV prevention, despite the infrequency of significant news to report.

“This will be the first training we’ve done since the launch of the Communications Handbook at Microbicides 2010. We’re really excited to incorporate the tools and lessons learned from this new resource into a hands-on training with those working on the front lines of HIV prevention research,” said Baron, who also serves as Chimwara’s mentor in the fellowship program.

Chimwara’s fellowship project addresses how the media reports on and is engaged in HIV-prevention trials in Zimbabwe.  He is identifying needs and opportunities—such as conducting these trainings—to improve the media’s ongoing balanced, accurate, consistent and reliable reporting on HIV-prevention trials in Zimbabwe.

Are you interested in strengthening your skills at communicating about HIV-prevention research?   Visit our download center at www.global-campaign.org/download and email us info@global-campaign.org.

In celebration of Human Rights Day in South Africa, the Global Campaign for Microbicides is hosted an event. Representatives from academia, human rights institutions, gender experts, and HIV prevention experts discussed the position of HIV prevention for women as a human rights issue.

Crowne Plaza Hotel

Rosebank

Johannesburg, South Africa

Read about more past trainings, events & conferences here.