The perception of HIV/ AIDS as a perpetual sin has presented a challenge in public education, public relations and advocacy for persons living with the virus, according to public relations officer at Jamaica Aids Support (JAS), Ann-Marie Dobson.

Ms. Dobson was making a presentation at the 2006 Public Relations Expo at the Undercroft of the Senate Building, University of the West Indies, last week.

"The virus of HIV is seen as a perpetual sin, and the challenge is that many persons associate it with immoral behaviour," Ms. Dobson said. She added that the image of the virus as being connected to immoral behaviour and certain marginalised groups, such as homosexuals in society, is dangerous, as it leads to certain misconceptions.

She said these misconceptions could lead to unwanted infections as "people should understand that even though I am moral I can still get the virus."

Ms. Dobson said her job at JAS was to ensure that these perceptions were not maintained and to continue advocating for persons with the virus.

Importance of public relations

The 2006 Public Relations expo, which was put on by the public relations class of 2007, showcased several speakers from different sectors of the professional world. Each speaker stressed the importance of public relations in making or breaking the industry.

Event coordinator Kay Dean Lazarus described the day as a success, citing the presence of several schools in attendance as heartening. Ms. Lazarus also said the event was aimed at further increasing the knowledge of the importance of public relations in every aspect of life.

"Research has shown how increasingly vital public relations has become and how high the demand is for proficient PR practitioners in organisations today," Ms. Lazarus said. "Our hope is that by highlighting the impact of public relations in Jamaica today, we will give a clear vision of tomorrow, a world in which public relations will be simply indispensable."