hivzx.com is a peer counselling website staffed by PTE-trained volunteers. This interactive, self-help site offers resources and practical tools that enable people to improve their knowledge about HIV/AIDS.
With the increased use of social networking and technology on the web, the launch of hivzx.com has allowed us to place PTE’s wealth of research and practical experience directly into the hands of young people, enabling them to better protect themselves against the risks of contracting HIV/AIDS.
Web conversation is the language of China’s youth and online chatting is often the means of communication that they feel most comfortable using. hivzx.com offers an opportunity to China’s youth to open up and seek out and receive information they might not otherwise feel comfortable accessing.
The site features up-to-date info and news sections to help visitors keep track of the latest research and medical developments in the field. In addition to the resources provided, much of the site is interactive with some content being provided by other users on the forum. The forum is visited regularly by our online counselors – who have experience of helping people to find the answers they are looking for. They facilitate the site providing guidance and additional help as necessary. There is also a private space where a person can communicate with our online counselors in space not shared with others.
We actively recruit and train volunteers to be our counselors. These peer educators are then able to interact with visitors to the site and help people work through concerns and issues they might have. At the same time these counselors serve as a complementary resource to PTE’s workshops for sharing experience and knowledge. In our volunteer section, volunteers are able to exchange information and questions, and to learn from each others experiences which, in turn, help to improve the quality of support given.