Text message service to fight HIV and AIDS

A new text message service to help fight HIV and AIDS was launched in Kenya today.

Introduced by non-governmental organisation One World in time for World AIDS day, the service allows users to text their questions on the subject to a special number, and get an answer quickly and free of charge. People can also opt to receive a tip each day on HIV/AIDS issues.

Mobile use is in high in Kenya, with almost 2.5 million people owning a mobile phone. The service is only available in English at the moment, but plans to translate it into Swahili are already underway.

More than two million people in Kenya are HIV positive, out of a population of 32.4 million. Many stay away from the HIV clinics because of the stigma attached to living with the disease.