Ex-Blue Peter presenter Konnie Huq stars in HIV ad

Sat 21 November 2009

Tongue-in-cheek ad challenges HIV prejudice

Entitled "Would you kiss Konnie Huq if she had HIV," the tongue in cheek video shows the presenter going through a series of ridiculous measures including shaving her tongue and donning a bio-hazard suit in an attempt to persuade the viewer to kiss her.

The video was created by the British Red Cross to in the run-up to World Aids Day on December 1.

A survey carried out for the charity found that while 85% of 16 to 25 year olds in the UK knew that HIV can't be transmitted by kissing, 69% of those questioned said they wouldn't kiss someone with HIV.

A similar attitude was seen when it came to more casual contact. Although 96% of those surveyed said they knew you can't get HIV from sharing a meal with someone who is HIV positive, 44% said they wouldn't buy food from a shopkeeper with HIV.

So while people's knowledge about HIV was generally good, it wasn't reflected in the way they acted towards people with HIV.

Alyson Lewis, HIV adviser at the British Red Cross, said: “The stigma experienced by people living with HIV/AIDS is immensely destructive and can further damage people who may already be in a vulnerable state.

"We need to reinforce the message that you cannot catch HIV from everyday contact with people who are HIV-positive.

"Activities such as sharing a meal or a cup, shaking hands, hugging or kissing, or attending the same workplace, school or event as someone with the virus, will not put you at risk.”