I love the overall effectiveness of this print ad. It's bold and striking, and certainly invites a second or third glance. The message, though, is even more attention-grabbing than the image. 'Heterosexual people are at risk too.'
To me, this is a no-brainer, but millions of people worldwide seem to believe that HIV can only be contracted by homosexuals (or, as the media likes to refer to us, 'men who have sex with men'). This is a thoroughly dangerous and narrow view to hold. Lest we forget, in the 1980's HIV was known as GRIDS, or Gay Related Immuno-Deficiency Syndrome. Yes, HIV is at it's most prevalent in young gay men, but thousands of heterosexuals (typically women) are diagnosed on a yearly basis. Mothers can also pass it on to their newborn babies through breast milk, and the number of people contracting the virus after using dirty, infected needles is also on the increase.
'Each time you sleep with someone, you also sleep with his past' is a fantastic slogan for the advertising campaign, and your lover's sexual history is really something you need to be thinking about before opting for sex without protection. HIV doesn't show up in the blood for up to 6 weeks after infection, so even if your partner is adamant that he's 'clean', it's still worth ensuring the use of a condom. It's also a virus that is virtually asymptomatic (doesn't have any distinguishable symptoms) and you can't tell if someone's HIV positive simply by looking at them.
Remember, you only have one life. Don't let an irresponsible decision mar the rest of it.