NACC, Kenya Film School partnership will provide room for telling the HIV story through the media in an efficient and accurate manner.

The National AIDS Control Council (NACC) has partnered with The Kenya Film School to enhance production and dissemination of content on Universal Health Coverage in the provision of HIV and AIDS services in Kenya. The partnership is anchored on NACC’s constitutional mandate, specifically the provision of public education and awareness of HIV and AIDS in the country.

Speaking during the signing of the deal, NACC Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Ruth-Laibon Masha noted that the partnership heralds a new chapter in health communication.

“The partnership will go a long way in enhancing and shaping communication around HIV and AIDS. It provides room to tell the HIV story through the media in an efficient and accurate manner. This is in line with the Council’s mandate to provide public health education and awareness,” she said.

Positive health outcomes

While lauding the partnership, The Director of Kenya Film School Mr. Kibaara Kaugi said that health communication is an important undertaking for the country’s socio-economic development as it promotes positive health outcomes through public education, sensitization and empowerment. He added that HIV and AIDS response has undergone phases of transformation thus the story has to be told differently.

“I have witnessed changes in the way communication around HIV and AIDS has been done over time. With changing times, we must think how to differently but effectively and impactfully communicate to the audiences,” said Kibaara.

The partnership will see Kenya Film School support the production and airing of content on various thematic areas including HIV, gender-based violence and health in general. The state-owned institution will also train and build the capacity of National AIDS Control Council staff in production and content creation.

This is a timely strategic move that will go towards supporting ongoing advocacy efforts against teen pregnancies, gender-based violence and new HIV infections among adolescents.