Live Blogging From the J2J Conference: Day 1

by Maha Masud 0 comments

4:30 PM - Two speakers today have made the point that HIV prevention is inextricably linked to poverty. Dr. Sharlene Swartz says that programs targeting orphans risk leaving out many other vulnerable children who are living in poverty. And Dr. Laura Guay pointed out that treating infected infants and children with antiretroviral drugs won’t make them grow and gain weight if they don’t have enough to eat.

2:30 PM - Eric Harper, Director of the Sex Worker Education and Advocacy Task Force argues that decriminalization of sex work will can help prevent HIV/AIDS.  His comments have sparked questions from the journalists about the ethics involved in making sex work legal. 

11:30 AM - National Press Foundation President Bob Meyers is starting the conference with a refresher course on HIV/AIDS.  The presentation has sparked an interesting conversation among the journalists about their responsibilities as the media to educate the public about HIV and AIDS.  They also have been sharing the unique challenges that they face in their countries in covering HIV/AIDS.  Bob's PowerPoint presentation is available now on our website.