Abbott launches social networking campaign

A group has been created on social media site Facebook to campaign against HIV and Aids.

Abbott and the Magic Johnson Foundation started the I Stand with Magic profile which is aimed at young adults.

The campaign hopes to help this age group to get education about the disease and also encourage them to get tested and to seek treatment.

Abbott said: “The Facebook group provides a new opportunity for individuals to personally engage, educate and urge their family, friends and colleagues across Facebook’s active online community to protect their health by knowing their HIV status.”

In addition to providing information, the Facebook site will also host public service announcements from Spike Lee. The announcements include the director and his wife speaking about the need to get tested.

Scott Luce, divisional vice-president of Pharmaceutical Specialty Operations at Abbott, said the group was an exciting new way for the company to raise awareness and help people take a stand against the Aids epidemic.

Abbott is a healthcare company with products ranging from pharmaceutical therapies to nutritional products.