Rules of the Game

"The prevention message tested strongest across the board. African Americans, unmarried parents, unmarried mothers, all mothers, and people with young kids, as well as with younger women and single people were especially responsive."

--  Public Opinion Researcher Celinda Lake

Talking about AIDS doesn't have to be complicated. Navigating an epidemic with controversial political, medical, social and policy implications means that knowing how to talk about AIDS can make the difference in a fair and effective war on AIDS.

There are several basic guidelines to follow when talking about AIDS:

AIDS Dos	AIDS Dont's
Use terms like "men, women and children living with HIV" or "children orphaned by AIDS."	Don't call people affected by HIV "AIDS sufferers," "AIDS victims" or "AIDS orphans."
Talk about the diversity of people affected by HIV and the need to target efforts to prevent new infections and provide treatment.	Don't call AIDS a "gay" disease.
Say that everyone shares responsibility to fight the spread of HIV -- local communities, national leaders, parents, physicians, schools and individuals.	Don't say that if people become infected with HIV, it's their own fault. And don't concede the value of responsibility to our adversaries.
Say that we need to fight all diseases in America and that every disease is unique and in need of a unique response.	Don't say AIDS is "special."
Advertisement When talking to the press or the public, talk in terms that ordinary Americans understand, especially how AIDS policies will affect people in your local community or the nation.
The Facts:	The Message:
The Clinton Administration agrees with the science that needle exchange programs reduce HIV infection among injecting drug users but nonetheless refuses to provide federal funding to support such programs.	It's like saying, "We acknowledge the world is not flat yet we refuse to give Columbus the money for the ships."
Under current Medicaid policy, low-income people with HIV do not qualify for benefits unless they have been diagnosed with full-blown AIDS, when treatment is less effective and more expensive.	If automobile regulations followed the Medicaid model, airbags would only be required in cars that have already crashed.
The federal government is considering HIV tracking proposals that require states to collect the names of all people with HIV. At the same time, there are no plans to ensure better access to care and treatment that can delay the onset of illness.	It's like the Titanic all over again: we're counting up all the passengers but not providing enough lifeboats.
The AIDS epidemic continues to affect millions of Americans and the new protease drugs are only a stop-gap measure. We must remain vigilant and continue to fund research and build public support in our search for a cure.	AIDS isn't over. If we act like it is, it never will be.

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This article was provided by AIDS Action Council.