The CDC launched a new public health campaign, “Start Talking, Stop H.I.V.,” which is targeted at gay men, and urging them to being open about discussing their HIV status.

On the CDC website, the goal of the campaign is stated:

. . .to reduce new HIV infections among gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men by encouraging open discussion about a range of HIV prevention strategies and related sexual health issues between sex partners. Effective partner communication about HIV can reduce HIV transmission by supporting HIV testing, HIV status disclosure, condom use, and the use of medicines to prevent and treat HIV.

The campaign materials were created for the CDC by a private agency, Brand-Aid. The materials include posters, brochures, cheat sheets, behind-the-scenes footage, and five campaign videos. Ways to get the conversation started and HIV prevention Q&As are also available on the site. The videos feature 37 gay and bisexual men from across the country. All of the videos show couples in affectionate situations, whether it be at the park, in bed, on a coffee date, or in the club.

The campaign began in South Florida, which has a high infection rate. According to the Florida Department of Health, the state is second in the nation in the cumulative number of HIV cases (49,058 in 2012). Approximately 130,000 individuals are living with HIV disease in Florida.

According to the CDC, gay and bisexual men represent only two percent of the overall population, but they account for over half of the 1.1 million people living with HIV in the United States and two-thirds of all new HIV infections each year.

For more information about “Start Talking, Stop H.I.V.," visit the official website.