CDC Launches "Let's Stop HIV Together" Campaign

CDC announced a new national campaign Monday to fight HIV/AIDS stigma and complacency. Themed "Let's Stop HIV Together," it features people living with AIDS standing with friends and relatives as they urge others to join the fight against the disease.

Dr. Kevin Fenton, director of CDC's National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD and TB Prevention, said, "In the fight against HIV, stigma and complacency are among our most insidious opponents." He added, "This campaign reminds us that HIV affects every corner of society, and that it will take every one of us -- regardless of HIV status, gender, race or sexual orientation -- working together."

The new campaign is part of CDC's Act Against AIDS project, a five-year national communication initiative designed to raise awareness of HIV in the United States, where approximately 1.1 million people are living with the virus.

The new campaign will feature national online and print advertising, broadcast public service announcements, and social media outreach, as well as local billboard and transit advertising in 27 US cities. The effort is kicking off in six cities greatly affected by HIV: Atlanta, Dallas, Los Angeles, New Orleans, New York City, and Washington.

According to Dr. Jonathan Mermin, director of CDC's Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention, "Stigma remains a major barrier to HIV testing, condom use, and other preventive strategies. It also discourages those living with HIV from seeking the care and treatment they need to stay healthy and avoid transmitting HIV to others."

One ad features Jamar Rogers, a semifinalist on NBC's singing competition, "The Voice," who is pictured with his mother saying, "I am a devoted son, a singer, and an artist. And I am living with HIV."