In Papua New Guinea, people infected with COVID-19 have raised concerns about how certain media stories and other individual comments on social media platforms are disregarding their right to privacy by disclosing personal information that is generating a climate of stigma and discrimination against them.
In order to help the media to tell stories about COVID-19 in a way that does not harm people infected, UNAIDS has created a set of social media postcards with tips on how to report responsibly. The cards highlight the importance of anonymity, avoiding the use of sensationalist language, reporting accurate information and using language that does not discriminate and stigmatize people who have tested positive for COVID-19.
UNAIDS also created a postcard for people talking about COVID-19 on social media. The card emphasizes the need to share accurate information and not rumours, to challenge myths and stereotypes, and to never reveal a person’s identity without their consent.
