The AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF), the largest provider of HIV/AIDS medical care in the U.S. has asked Bristol-Myers Squibb to halt its print ads for its AIDS drug Reyataz because they minimalize the seriousness of the disease.
The magazine ads read “The Word on HIV Your Way,” and show two men on the beach, one of whom is smiling, while they play backgammon.
The ads also contain information about the side effects of the medicine.
AHF president Michael Weinstein said the ads could lead to a lack of concern about contracting HIV and encourage risky behavior.
The ads were created by the New York-based Havas unit Euro RSCG Life Adrenaline.