Improvements
in HIV/AIDS treatment, care, and prevention are fundamentally dependent on the
education of healthcare providers and policy makers, as well as the knowledge
and awareness of the public. An important extension of amfAR’s research mission
is the translation and dissemination of findings generated by aids research.
Harnessing the power of the media
The
extent of the public’s knowledge and awareness of HIV/AIDS correlates directly
with media interest in the epidemic. As a respected voice on HIV/AIDS, amfAR is
frequently called upon by the media to provide insights and analysis on
research and policy developments and other aspects of the epidemic. amfAR
commentary, including opinion pieces and letters to the editor, is regularly
featured in major media outlets.
Getting
the word out
amfAR publishes a
wide range of educational materials and engages respected public figures, HIV/AIDS
scientists, and policy makers in diverse efforts to communicate the Foundation’s
message and the need for AIDS research. Periodicals produced in both print and
electronic formats include: Innovations,
amfAR’s newsletter published twice a year and distributed to 45,000; the TREAT Asia Report, distributed widely to
an international audience; and a monthly email newsletter distributed to more
than 40,000 subscribers. amfAR also creates and distributes program reports,
press releases, and updates on HIV/AIDS research and policy issues.
Social Networking
amfAR
maintains an active presence on Facebook and Twitter, with 13,000 friends and more than
11,000 followers respectively. We also
have a YouTube page that is regularly updated with videos from fundraising and
programmatic events.
Many
speakers, one voice
amfAR’s public
awareness efforts are greatly enhanced by the committed support of celebrities
from the fields of film, fashion, music, and art, who lend their voices and
donate their time, talents, and resources to help sustain the foundation’s
mission. These supporters include amfAR’s Global Fundraising Chairman Sharon Stone,
amfAR ambassadors Cheyenne Jackson, Milla Jovovich, Liza Minnelli, and Michelle
Yeoh, as well as Whoopi Goldberg, Kylie Minogue, Stanley Tucci, Harvey Weinstein,
and many others.
Spreading the
Word
Through its Public
Information program, amfAR
reaches out to affected communities, HIV/AIDS professionals, and the general
public by publishing information on the latest developments in AIDS research,
prevention, and treatment. In addition, articles and reports involving amfAR
were carried in major media outlets, including The
Washington Post,The
Wall Street Journal, The New Republic, CNN, and
the BBC. Just after World AIDS Day in December 2008, Founding Chairman Mathilde
Krim appeared on the PBS program In the Life with Phill Wilson of the Black AIDS
Institute, and in July 2009, CBS Sunday Morning featured a profile of amfAR Chairman
Kenneth Cole.
Keeping HIV/AIDS
in the Public Eye
amfAR's
numerous celebrity volunteers play an instrumental role in raising awareness
and support for the Foundation's mission, enhancing amfAR's ability to make its
voice heard around the world. The Foundation is particularly grateful for the
support of Founding International Chairman Dame Elizabeth Taylor and Global
Fundraising Chairman Sharon Stone, as well as amfAR Ambassadors Cheyenne
Jackson, Milla Jovovich, Liza Minnelli, and Michelle Yeoh.