New U.S. HIV/AIDS Strategy Seeks To Revitalize Public Education Efforts
Main Category: HIV / AIDSArticle Date: 16 Jul 2010 - 3:00 PDT
email to a friend 
printer friendly 
view / write opinions
The Obama administration'sstrategy to combat HIV/AIDS in the U.S. will use new communication methods, such as social media and medically accurate school-based programs, to address the epidemic, Reuters reports. The White House announced the plan on Tuesday (Fox, Reuters, 7/13). It sets a 2015 deadline for reducing the annual number of new HIV infections by 25%, lowering the HIV transmission rate by 30%, increasing the proportion of patients accessing care within three months of diagnosis from the current 65% to 85%; and raising the number of HIV-positive individuals who are aware of their status from 79% to 90% (Women's Health Policy Report, 7/13).
By the end of this year, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will conduct an assessment of all social marketing and education campaigns associated with HIV and other sexually transmitted infections, according to the plan. CDC also will review campaigns related to substance abuse and risk behaviors associated with HIV; develop evidence-based efforts to educate the public about STIs; and ensure that school-based education provides "scientifically sound information about HIV