Legal repercussions for forging HIV results_New Era_13 April 2015

Name of article: Legal repercussions for forging HIV results

Name of publication: New Era

Date: 13 April 2015

Country: Namibia

Theme: LGBTI

GEM Classification: Subtle Stereotype

Genre: News

Skill: Headline

Analysis

Namibia’s New Era 13 April 2015 carried a story titled “Legal repercussions for forging HIV results” which is an example of a Subtle Stereotype in media coverage of HIV and AIDS. Whilst the headline alludes to responsible behavior about ones HIV and AIDS status, the article is loaded with stereotypes.

The journalist accesses Sart Shikalepo, an official in Khoma Region, who warns that forging ones HIV and AIDS result would have serious implications for those found guilty. The story refers to the “recent incidents of women forging their HIV and AIDS result in their health passports”.

Shikalepo further notes that “women who are HIV positive went to Otjomuise and Okuryangava clinics under the pretext that they were going for a rapid HIV test.

However, the story does not quote anyone else to corroborate the claims. The story has just one source. The story lumps women into a group of irresponsible people who forge HIV results. It does not mention that men may also engage in this practice. Whilst the story is sending a strong message on the implications of such behavior, it misses an opportunity to include women’s voices or to give specifics about the specific culprits.