SOURCES OF INFORMATION WHEN WRITING ON HIV/AIDS

AND RELATED TOPIC

MCO TrainingPigg’s Peak Hotel

6 March 2013

BUSI DLAMINI

Why are sources of information important?

• Accuracy• Credibility• Plausibility• Balance• Provide missing information• Provide additional sources of information• Provide related information

You only get one chance to make first a impression

Types of sources

– Internet (searchable engines)

– Interviews– Speeches– Community and media

guides– Policy documents– Background

information (fact sheets and glossaries)

– Contact information for expert advice

– Directories– Searchable databases – Projects– Press Releases– Funding for HIV/AIDS-

related projects– Links– Reports

Evaluating Your Sources- Questions to Ask

• What is the source of the information, and how reliable is it likely to be?

• Does the provider of the information perhaps have a vested interest in promoting a particular point of view?

• Has the information been through an editorial review process? For example, is it in a peer-reviewed journal?

• How current is the information?• How comprehensive is the information?• Is the information based on clinical and scientific evidence?• Are adequate references provided, indicating the source of the

information, including statistics?

Internet Sources

• There is a vast range of websites produced by local, regional and international organizations around the world involved in HIV/AIDS research, treatment and care.

• These may be government or non-government-based

organizations, who receive private and/or public funding.• Websites vary in their content and resources, according

to the time, money and expertise invested in

production of the website and the intended users.

Speeches

• As information disseminators,reporting HIV/AIDS, or health issues in general speeches are by knowledgeable people on the subject are rich sources of news stories.

• Techniques of developing stories from these sources are therefore very essential.

• As information disseminators you must be on the lookout for occasions where newsworthy statements may be made.

• In determining newsworthiness, the following elements are important:• the principal theme and supportive arguments,• the speaker and his/her position in society, and• the occasion where the statement takes place.• Some points to consider for using speeches as a source:

Speeches

• Make sure you obtain the formal speech and are present during the occasion.

• Take down the running story – the sequence, the salient points, the quotes and take note of controversial matters

• Critically analyze the content: beware of cosmetic policies being advanced as a genuine programme.

• Be also on the lookout for inconsistencies, gaps, obstacles, strengths and relevance of policies / programmes to the HIV/AIDS epidemic

Interviews

• Interviews are another major source of news. HIV/AIDS has not been openly discussed at all levels been.

• Media Practitioners must therefore be ready to go an extra mile in getting hold of newsworthy information.

• Some basic principles of a good interview are as follows:• Prepare for the topic• Seek as much background information as possible• Ensure you are in charge of the interview: Retain

focus and do not let the interviewee waste time on irrelevant issues

Interviews

• Be cautious of those seeking to be interviewed. Such persons may have their own agenda, such as claiming they can cure the disease, or they represent various persons infected or affected by HIV/AIDS.

• Ask good and intelligent questions: What you get depends on what you ask

• Clear all doubts before leaving for the newsroom• Write down all contacts, including mobile telephone numbers of

the news subjects and let them know you may be calling them any time, in case there is need for clarification

The HIV and AIDS Info Centre: A nation empowered with HIV & AIDS Information

• It was established in 2007• The goal is “To be a one stop-shop for current

and relevant HIV and AIDS information to targeted audiences in Swaziland using multimedia information materials”

• The mission is “To influence social behaviour change through timeous provision of accurate HIV & AIDS information to ensure an AIDS free Swaziland”.

The HIV and AIDS Info Centre: A nation empowered with HIV & AIDS Information

• It was established in 2007• It is a department of NERCHA run by a 7

Technical Working Group• The first step towards management and

dissemination of HIV and AIDS information

CURRENT SERVICES

• Literature searches from the Resource Centre bibliographic dataset

• Internet searches • Info Centre website: www.infocentre.nercha.org.sz• Info Centre Facebook: HIV&AIDSinfocentre_Swaziland

• Video viewing facilities • Exhibitions (Trade Fair, WAC/WAD• IEC Dissemination

Current Services cont:

• Referral to other organizations • Training and Conference facility• Discussion Forums• Decentralizing the services of the Centre

to regions and communities; (Setting up of on going pilot at Nkamandzi Community and a Regional Info Centre in Nhlangano)

FUTURE SERVICES

• Strengthening the collection

• Strengthening dissemination

• Repackaging of Information

• Strengthening the Website use through E-Learning and e-Forums

• Quality Assurance / Clearing House

WHERE WILL YOU FIND US?

Physical Address:

Lamvelase Help Centre Premises

Corner of Nkoseluhlaza and Sandlana Streets

(opposite Manzini Library)

Tel: 505 4597, 505 4425

Fax: 505 3313

Email: infocentre@nercha.org.sz

THANK YOU!