Reporting on HIV and Drug Use in Myanmar - A Guide for Journalists

The media has a critical role to play in correcting the myths surrounding drug use that has for decades, helped create an environment of misunder-standing, distrust and discrimination against people who use drugs. Drugs change the structure of the brain and how it works12 and yet drug use is seldom reported as a health problem.

Media coverage has mostly been focused on law enforcement, with drug users often portrayed as criminals. This negative portrayal adds to the stigma and discrimination against drug users, discouraging them from accessing essential health services, including HIV prevention and treatment services.