August 31, 2009

DC Launches Multimedia HIV Testing Campaign

On August 29, DC officials launched a $225,000 multimedia campaign encouraging residents to get an HIV test, The Associated Press reports. Advertisements—which can already be seen on television—feature people holding up signs that read, “Ask for the Test.”

According to the article, the campaign will include additional television spots as well as print, outdoor and radio ads. It also allows DC residents to use text messaging to find the nearest HIV testing site. The Global Business Coalition on HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria will team with pharmaceutical giant Pfizer to encourage doctors to offer HIV tests to their patients.

“Hopefully within a short period of time, people are going to understand that they’re not going to go to the doctor without asking for an HIV test,” said Mayor Adrian Fenty, who views HIV/AIDS as the city’s “greatest public health challenge.”

The testing initiative is the first phase of DC’s five-year HIV effort. This winter, the campaign will focus on encouraging residents to talk to their partners about their HIV status. The campaign will then focus on promoting condom use.

According to a report released earlier this year, at least 3 percent of DC residents are already living with the virus.

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