Los Angeles Times Profiles Sister Mary Elizabeth Clark, Creator of Online HIV/AIDS Information Web Site AEGiS

The Los Angeles Times on Dec. 28 profiled Sister Mary Elizabeth Clark, who in 1990 created AEGiS -- the "largest free online information bank on HIV and AIDS in the world." The Web site currently is produced in five languages, contains 1.2 million files, is updated hourly and averages 900,000 users per month. AEGiS also is "deliberately light on visual displays" so that users with slower computers can access the site, according to the Times. "We've gone the route of saying we want to be the Super Kmart so we can offer something for everybody," Clark said, but she added, "I'd be much happier if we didn't have anyone using the site on the basis that it wasn't needed." AEGiS' four staff members have a "twofold mission" that includes providing information on HIV/AIDS to anyone who is able to access the Internet and "chronicl[ing] how the AIDS pandemic has been addressed by governments and groups," according to the Times. After receiving multiple "accolades" last year -- including the American Foundation for AIDS Research's Award of Courage and the Human Rights Award from the International Association of Physicians in AIDS Care -- Clark is preparing to turn over her role as director of operations to Vanessa Robison, a staff member who has worked with AEGiS for four years (Pasco, Los Angeles Times, 12/28/04).