AMERICAN HIV activist Debra Messing has said the media is well equipped to reverse the effects of HIV stigma and discrimination in Zambia.

Ms Messing said stigma and discrimination were one of the biggest impediments in the successful fight against the HIV epidemic in Zambia.

"To reduce HIV globally, it is important to get tested and focus our efforts on minimising stigma and discrimination, knowing one's status accords you power over your life," she said.

She challenged people in the film and arts industries to actively get involved in carrying messages of reducing stigma and discrimination against those living with HIV.

Ms Messing said the film industry was a powerful avenue to inspire people to get tested and to reverse the way in which people viewed HIV.

She said in Zambia, only about 60 per cent of people know their HIV status, while countries such as Botswana, about 80 per cent of people know their HIV status.

"This means that seven out of ten people in Zambia who should know their status, do not know," she said.

And Alere Campaign Network against HIV, hopes to partner with Population Services International (PSI) to purchase one million HIV testing kits for Zambia.

Source: Allafrica.com