This article suggests options for positive action. Some of the efforts of different persons and groups are mentioned so that we might draw lessons from their failures and successes

Media Reporting on HIV The media shapes people’s perception of AIDS and its causes, often in a misleading and counterproductive way. At a recent meeting, 24 journalists from 13 pacific countries decided to make a statement with respect to the lack of editorial policies and guidelines in reporting HIV/AIDS.

Coalition building Sex workers in Calcutta (India) are empowering themselves in their fight against AIDS by building coalitions and self-help groups. The coalitions have a holistic and innovative approach benefiting both sex workers and their families by offering health services, immunisation for their children, cultural programmes and other social/educational activities.

Building Networks Education through a network of prostitutes is a another communication strategy at work. “If a prostitute in Senegal is discovered to have an STD, she will lose her little green license card...” Senegal has been smart and original in recognizing that prostitution exists, that it feeds the epidemic, and that it’s better to deal with this problem instead of ignoring it.

Other examples of positive action

* Coke to deliver AIDS treatment to all employees

* Rock star Bono campaigns for Africa’s diseases of poverty.