Natalie du Toit provided a blood sample for the National HIV Prevalence Survey
Flow Communications is involved in an exciting project to get nationwide publicity for the Human Sciences Research Council’s (HSRC)2008 HIV National Prevalence Survey.
The survey, officially known as the 3rd South African National HIV,Behaviour and Health Survey, hopes to reach about 28 000 people in identified areas and population groups across South Africa.
It aims to gauge the spread of HIV in South Africa, as well as gain insight into the health-related behaviours of participants. The trends it reveals will guide policy makers in their management of the epidemic.
Flow Communications has been writing and disseminating press releases for the HSRC and arranging appearances on broadcast media, explaining to the public what will be happening and why their anonymous participation matters. Furthermore, Flow was involved in the organisation of the simultaneous launch events at the HSRC offices in Pretoria, Cape Town and Durban last month.
The media coverage to date includes articles in newspapers, online news websites, and inserts on television and radio, with forthcoming pieces from eTV, Summit TV and Media24 among others.
Flow staff member Tamsyn Logie has been responsible for media liaison on the project. She said: “HIV/AIDS is widely misunderstood as an epidemic and being involved in a project with so many knowledgeable people and progressive thinkers, all working together to make a difference, is really inspiring.”
Several local celebrities have been brought on board to champion the survey and encourage people to take part if they are approached. Actress Hlubi Mboya (who plays the HIV-positive activist Nandipha in Isidingo) and Olympic swimmer Natalie du Toit donated blood samples at the Pretoria and Cape Town events respectively.
“Getting the media involved in a project like this is essential increating a new understanding of the problems and issues surrounding HIV/AIDS and is really the first step in trying to change the perceptions of the public,” continued Logie.
Actress Hlubi Mboya signs the consent form, to allow the HSRC to take a sample of her blood