KnowHIV campaign begins
By Derek Winkler
The Toronto-based Ontario HIV Treatment Network has begun a campaign called “KnowHIV” intended to raise aeareness of HIV in the province. The initiative is timed to coincide with World AIDS Day on Dec. 1. The campaign is the start of a multi-year effort to destigmatize HIV. It includes billboards, posters and digital advertising, along with influencer activities and media relations. It will run int the Greater Toronto Area, Ottawa, Thunder Bay, Sudbury, Niagara Falls, London, Hamilton, Windsor and Oshawa.
“The OHTN and our partners have been intentional in how we set up this campaign to achieve broader reach than ever before,” said Rodney Rousseau, board president of the Ontario HIV Treatment Network. “We want all Ontarians to understand that HIV is ‘still a thing’ and encourage them to ‘know HIV;” know their risk, prevention and testing options, as well as the facts that can help eliminate the stigma of the virus. This phase of the campaign is purely about this message, which is why we've chosen to stick to clear messaging and visuals.”