Two local companies today launched an interactive, home-based HIV awareness site for families.
The purpose of the site, ActionAIDS, is to educate subscribers about the HIV/AIDS threat, and provide them with the knowledge needed to protect themselves, says ActionAIDS sales manager Daniel Seidman.
To achieve this, the site contains an interactive tutorial model. "It`s in a Q&A format. By accessing the tutorials, you are learning how to protect yourself and your family from HIV," explains Seidman.
The subscriber is also allowed access to a 24-hour communication centre that provides advice on all aspects of HIV/AIDS.
Seidman notes that being aware of the risks will not always offer sufficient protection. "There are unavoidable cases - like fights and accidents - where people are exposed to the disease. Subscribers can call the support centre, which will offer counselling, blood tests to determine HIV status and a 28-day course of antiretroviral drug therapy should they be infected."
While ActionAIDS is available to anyone who subscribes, Seidman says it is specifically aimed at middle-class South Africans. "Obviously subscribers will need to have some degree of computer savvy."
Seidman adds that he expects growth of between 500 and 1 000 subscribers per month. The monthly subscription cost is R25, or R260 per year, and 15% of revenue generated will be donated to Cotlands.
The site was developed by technology development company Echoteq and Caliber Clinical Consultants, in association with local search engine Ananzi, says Seidman.
"We needed a launch pad for the site, and wanted to take advantage of the high number of hits Ananzi receives, so Ananzi is handling the marketing side."
Ananzi MD Mark Buwalda believes the site will benefit society, and highlights the need for a proactive stance against AIDS. "We need to have something out there that makes a difference. We need to start recognising that AIDS is a real problem in SA and that it is up to us to do something to prevent its spread."
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