International Herpes Week 2003 Plans Unveiled

Plans for a high profile International Herpes Week (IHW) 2003, running between the 16th-22nd November 2003 have been released. This is the fourth year for this annual initiative and IHW has become a firm fixture on the international health calendar attracting worldwide media and patient interest.

The IHA will be running this year's campaign under the theme "It's a New Day" focusing on transmission of genital herpes to partners, one of the major concerns of people with herpes. Of key interest will be information on a new therapeutic option to significantly reduce the risk of transmitting genital herpes to others.

Charlie Ebel, President of the IHA and Director, Program Development, American Social Health Association (ASHA), told the IHA news desk: "Survey research has established that anxiety about transmission is a leading concern for people with genital herpes. The good news is the fact that there have been scientific breakthroughs in this area, and this year's IHA campaign aims to highlight the positive steps that people can take to control the disease and protect their partners."

Building on previous successful IHW initiatives, the 2003 campaign will include information for people with herpes, website activities and an international media campaign. To pre-register for an International Herpes Week press pack, contact the IHA Secretariat: herpes@packerforbes.com