Washington, Jun 30 American actor Ashton Kutcher is said to have become the new messenger for the White House, after he took to his Twitter.com page to pass on a message.

Kutcher, 31, who is well known for his pranks, tweeted on June 28 that the White House had asked him to help get the word out about National HIV Testing Day.I've been asked by the white house to twet this," Politico.com quoted him as having written before providing a link to a White House blog post and accompanying video noting the 14th commemoration of National HIV Testing Day.

The White House confirmed that it did, in fact, seek Kutcher's help in promoting the blog post.

"As technology impacts how and where people are communicating online, we are constantly looking for new ways to engage with the public," White House assistant press secretary Reid Cherlin said.

"Our efforts to promote National HIV Testing Day included participation from popular users of Twitter, as well as broad social media engagement by agencies across the government," he added.

Kutcher was one part of the strategy: The White House has also provided online and text message resources to help people find a local testing site, launched a Twitter hashtag on the subject (#NHTD09) and set up e-cards that individuals can use to encourage others to get tested for HIV/AIDS. (ANI)