HHS HealthBeat (December 01, 2008)

HIV and cyberspace

From the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, I’m Ira Dreyfuss with HHS HealthBeat.

Cyberspace should look a bit different for World AIDS Day, December first. Bloggers, and people in virtual worlds like Second Life can use the day to spread the word on how to prevent the disease and get tested – as well as treatment if that’s needed

At HHS’ Office of HIV/AIDS Policy, Miguel Gomez points to one group, Bloggers United, which is encouraging its 140,000 members to be active:

``They have made a commitment  to talk about why HIV/AIDS is important to them, and they want people to step back and think about HIV/AIDS – and, hopefully, even encourage HIV testing.’’  (10 seconds)

And bloggers can show support by changing their online picture to show them wearing a red ribbon.

Gomez – or, at least, his cartoon avatar – also talks and answers questions in the virtual world Second Life.

Learn more at hhs.gov.

Last revised: December, 02 2008