The Communication Initiative
Development action with informed and engaged societies
The Communication Initiative
After nearly 28 years, The Communication Initiative (The CI) Global is entering a new chapter. Following a period of transition, the global website has been transferred to the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) in South Africa, where it will be administered by the Social and Behaviour Change Communication Division. Wits' commitment to social change and justice makes it a trusted steward for The CI's legacy and future.
 
Co-founder Victoria Martin is pleased to see this work continue under Wits' leadership. Victoria knows that co-founder Warren Feek (1953–2024) would have felt deep pride in The CI Global's Africa-led direction.
 
We honour the team and partners who sustained The CI for decades. Meanwhile, La Iniciativa de Comunicación (CILA) continues independently at cila.comminitcila.com and is linked with The CI Global site.
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World AIDS Campaign 2002-2003 - Global

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The central objective of the two-year World AIDS Campaign 2002-2003 is to help prevent, reduce, and eliminate stigma and discrimination wherever it occurs and in all forms. The campaign targets those who are both infected and affected. It will also address specific types of stigma and discrimination confronting other populations, like sex workers, drug users, and others who are vulnerable.
Communication Strategies
The campaign consists in an international day to engender AIDS awareness (December 1, 2002) that will include activities, a media event, and speeches by high-level government officials. Part of the campaign also includes posters to raise HIV/AIDS awareness worldwide. Sample slogans include:
  • AIDS attacks the body. Prejudice attacks the spirit. One is caused by a virus. One is caused by ignorance. Both can kill.
  • "AIDS is a white man's disease." Famous last words. Anyone can get AIDS. Find out how to prevent it. Call today.
  • Derek lost his family to AIDS. One year later, they're still not talking to him. The law may have changed. But prejudice and discrimination still occur in our community. Young or old. Gay or straight. Positive or negative... we all need support to stay safe.
  • Can you kiss HIV-positive people? Yes! Because it takes more than kisses to get AIDS. Let's put an end to prejudice. Stop AIDS.
  • Discrimination against people living with AIDS contradicts Scripture.
National telephone hotlines offering counselling services can be found at UNAIDS site.
Development Issues
HIV/AIDS.
Key Points
Stigma and discrimination are the major obstacles to effective HIV/AIDS prevention and care. Stigma is created by individuals and society. It builds on power relations and reinforces existing inequalities and prejudices, like those based on gender, sexual orientation, race, religious beliefs, place of residence or profession, and social status. It is perpetuated both overtly and covertly, and must be distinguished from bad practice. Fear of discrimination may prevent people from seeking treatment for AIDS or from acknowledging their HIV status publicly. People with, or suspected of having, HIV may be turned away from health care services, denied housing and employment, shunned by their friends and colleagues, turned down for insurance coverage, or refused entry into foreign countries. In some cases, they may be evicted from home by their families, divorced by their spouses, and suffer physical violence or even murder. The stigma attached to HIV/AIDS may extend into the next generation, placing an emotional burden on children who may also be trying to cope with the death of their parents from AIDS. With its focus on stigma and discrimination, the Campaign will encourage people to break the silence and the barriers to effective HIV/AIDS prevention and care.
Partners

United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), United Nations International Drug Control Programme (UNDCP), International Labour Organization (ILO), United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), World Health Organization (WHO), World Bank.

Sources

World AIDS Campaign site.