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What next?
THT
New HIV website for newly diagnosed gay men is launched
"This site aims to give all the practical information gay men might want after theyââ¬â¢ve been diagnosed"
The Terrence Higgins Trust has launched a website designed to target newly HIV-diagnosed gay men.
What next? is funded by the Department of Health and aims to deal with the isolation that many HIV+ sufferers experience after the initial diagnosis.
The website features information on first responses, how to tell other people, medical facts, sex and relationships and where to find support. It uses video clips and diaries to provide advice and encouragement from men who have personally been through the experience.
What next? has been launched at a time when HIV+ statistics are at an all-time high. The most recent survey carried out found that 2,700 gay men were diagnosed with HIV in 2006, and 82% of these acquired the disease in the UK. This is the highest number since the epidemic began.
Marc Thompson, deputy head of health promotion at Terrence Higgins Trust, said:
"Being diagnosed with HIV can make people feel like they’re on an emotional roller coaster. Many people are left feeling quite alone or feel like they have hundreds of questions to ask.
"This site aims to give all the practical information gay men might want after they’ve been diagnosed, but also gives personal accounts of what it’s actually like living with HIV day to day."
The website's homepage has this positive message for online viewers:
"Life with HIV does go on. It’s not a terminal illness. Treatment is effective, which means we can manage our lives."
