People diagnosed with HIV will soon be able to access the videoed experiences of other HIV positive people via an award-winning website.

The DIPEx HIV project, based at City University London, will enable people with HIV to watch, read and listen to real patients on the Internet as they explain how HIV has affected their everyday lives.

Users will be able to get answers to questions like: How can I tell people I am HIV positive? What will friends and family say? What do the different treatments involve? How can I get more out of life?

“HIV remains a highly stigmatised illness despite treatment advances. In 2003, nearly 7000 people were newly diagnosed with HIV in the UK. Not surprisingly people with HIV often feel anxious and can be afraid of asking professionals and support groups for help,” said Professor Jonathan Elford from City University.

“More than 50 million people worldwide seek health information through the Internet. The advantages of getting information through the Internet include its privacy, anonymity and convenience.

“Being able to hear the stories of other people with HIV on the Internet can give hope, a sense of not being alone, and provide helpful advice.

“These first hand accounts will also give relatives, friends and carers – as well as the wider public – a better understanding of what people with HIV go through.”

The DIPEx HIV website is due to be published in early 2006. The accounts will be accessible on the web 24-hours a day through video and audio clips and written transcriptions. This will be supported by reliable information on treatments, answers to frequently asked questions, as well as signposts to support groups and other resources.

The DIPEx website (www.dipex.org) was launched in July 2001 and already contains over 100 hours of audio and video clips on 15 health topics, including cancer, heart disease, neurological conditions, screening and mental health.

Anyone interested in being interviewed for the website should contact Dr Damien Ridge at City University London and ask for an information pack (d.ridge@city.ac.uk, or 020 7040 5451 -24 hour answer phone).