Abbott takes part in Aids awareness campaign
02 Dec 2008
US pharmaceutical firm Abbott has joined forces with a charity to promote awareness of HIV/Aids among the African-American community.
To coincide with the 20th anniversary of World Aids Day, the firm is working with the Magic Johnson Foundation in encouraging the public to educate themselves, their family and friends about the impact of the condition.
As part of the effort, a new social networking tool has been launched which enables Facebook users to gain information about transmission, testing and treatment.
"We need to take it upon ourselves to reduce the number of new infections, especially in the African-American community where they make up half of new HIV/Aids infections," said Earvin "Magic" Johnson.
Early detection can save lives, the former basketball star added.
The Abbott Fund announced earlier this year that it is providing assistance towards support services for children affected by HIV/Aids in the African country of Tanzania.
It revealed it is supporting the construction of the first paediatric HIV/Aids clinic in the country.
