Witnessing the Pandemic: Irish Print Media and Hiv/AIDS in Ireland and Sub-Saharan Africa

This is the first research monograph investigating Irish print media coverage of the AIDS/HIV pandemic in sub-Saharan Africa and situated within the context of the Irish and global pandemic. It adds to the existing knowledge of the relationship between media and Africa, and more specifically media and HIV/AIDS. Ireland has always had a broad sympathy with Africa based on the colonial experience endured by both and a strong tradition of missionary, education, and aid /development involvement since the 19th century. Gaffey examines the Irish print media as having some of the same initial reactions as the British, American and other Anglophone presses but some unique features (Irish media was initially much more furtive and inexact as to the sexual nature of transmission and risk and some papers refused to discuss condoms fearing Church censure). The study then traces the growing interest in the issue, interviews by editors and journalists in Africa, and a gradual maturing and confidence in the coverage of this calamity.