Reflections of Inequalities: The Construction of HIV/AIDS in Africa in the Australian Print Media

Abstract

The HIV/AIDS pandemic in sub-Saharan Africa prompted industrialised nations to initiate a coordinated global response, which to date has been inadequate in reducing the pandemic's impact in Africa. To better understand this response, this article explores the portrayal of the pandemic in the Australian print media using critical discourse analysis to unpack the discourses surrounding the construction of the pandemic. In particular, it examines how issues of power, ideology, causation and responsibility are expressed and utilised to validate certain stances and responses. The findings demonstrate that the media presents a particular perspective on the pandemic that favours the agendas of industrialised nations. Linguistic devices uncovered racist, medical and development discourses that give voice to industrialised nations and silence those from sub-Saharan Africa, limiting discussion on alternative responses. These findings highlight the utility of critical discourse analysis in understanding power structures that construct and influence responses to public health issues.