As the AIDS epidemic reaches its fourth decade, the Federal Government is reported to have launched its first specific course to reach African-American men who have sexual intercourse with men by enlightening them on the need to know their HIV status.

The campaign, tagged as "Know Where You Stand”, is directed at increasing the amount of black MSM aged 18 to 44, who take HIV test, as there are currently banner ads carrying the message, running on some websites that has gotten the attention of more black audience online.

Also, the campaign is being launched in 14 cities, as well as San Francisco and Oakland, where there are billboards with the photos of over 20 black men with the message "Get Tested, Know More”.

Ernest Hopkins, the San Francisco AIDS Foundation's legislative director who was part of an external consultant work group involving 19 black gay MSM community leaders, researchers, and key stakeholders, has stated that this was the first time the Federal Government had initiated this type of committee for the campaign.

Moreover, in San Francisco, African-American men account for the highest rates of HIV cases, as stated in the 2009 HIV/AIDS Epidemiology Annual Report, which is the most recent available report on the issue.