Ludacris and Jamie Foxx have teamed up with the Center for Disease Control and Prevention to promote safe sex in the African American community with the “I Know” Campaign.
The campaign, which primarily plans to use social media outlets such as Twitter and Facebook, is an effort to encourage dialogue in the community about HIV transmission and the importance of getting tested.
Increased focus on HIV testing as well as condom use and ways to reduce risk of HIV infection such as abstaining from sex compromise the focus of discussion as well as facts about HIV transmission and ways to reduce the stigma associated with the disease.
More After The Jump!!! [More]
“HIV isn’t his problem or her problem. It’s all of our problem,” Luda states in his PSA. “The facts are clear. African-Americans, especially young people are being devastated by HIV and AIDS. But there is something we can all do about it. We can and must talk about HIV. So break the silence by having a conversation. Send a text. Update your status. Post this video. Talk about HIV and what we can do to prevent it.”
According to the CDC, African-Americans age 13 to 29 years in the United States account for half of all new HIV infections in that age group. Young, Black, gay and bi-sexual men are especially affected, representing more than half (55 %) of new infections among African-Americans 13-29.
Ludacris and Foxx are among a group of celebrities and African-American leaders and organizations who will utilize their Facebook pages and Twitter feeds to increase participation to provide updates on “I Know” activities in attempt to stop the growing epidemic by targeted young adults between the ages of 18 and 24.
Along with the social media, Text messages are also an option to receive information about HIV testing opportunities, and video messages from celebrities and youth advocates.
Foxx and Ludacris are set to emphasize the importance of talking about HIV via a series of radio and online video public service announcements.
For details on Act Against AIDS and I know, visit www.actagainstaids.org to participate in the I Know campaign, visit:
The I know Facebook (www.facebook.com/iknow) and Twitter (www.twitter.com/iknow_talkhiv)
