South Sudan Network of People Living with HIV or SSNEP told media practitioners to report positively about HIV patients to avoid discrimination and stigma among communities.
SSNEP Chairperson Lole Laila Lole cited an example of a pastor living with the virus in one of the states whose children were expelled from school due to the HIV status.
He condemned the practice, saying the pastor’s children status could not affect them from their school and other developmental activities.
Mr Laila explained that families, communities and offices’ colleagues were agents of discrimination against HIV patients.
He said by pointing fingers to people living with the virus isolate them from various communities.
Mr Laila advised people to avoid discrimination and stigma.
He suggested training journalists on how to cover HIV/AIDS issues.