From July 25, 2005 to August 7, 2005, thirty radio and television jockeys and presenters participated in two successive training programs conducted by Internews’s MEDIAIDS project in India. The program focused on circulating information about HIV/AIDS to young people at risk.”

Over a dozen jingles in Tamil and English were produced by the trainees. Common themes included: living positively with HIV anti-retroviral therapy, Voluntary Counseling and Confidential Testing (VCTT), safe sex, and inclusive attitudes towards individuals living with HIV. Subject matter was derived from interactions with the Positive Women’s Network, expert speakers, and interviews from site visits.

Among young people, self-perception of the risk of contracting HIV is severely distorted. Similarly skewed are ideas on HIV prevention and transmission, as well as attitudes towards those infected with HIV. The program aims to encourage Chennai youth to obtain VCCT and denounce the current stigma associated with being HIV-positive.

The message is presented to appeal to young audiences: youth talking to youth through a highly popular, interactive medium that informs, entertains, and promotes a healthy culture of safe behaviour among young listeners.