Hans Rosling on HIV: New facts and stunning data visuals

Hans Rosling reinforces the idea of not to viewing Africa and the HIV/AIDS epidemic as one simplistic entity. I have previously discussed various reasons and theories as to why infection rates are so much higher in Africa than any other continent. Rosling disputes a few theories as well as puts forth a few of his own. According to Rosling, its wrong (and not ‘clever’) to view Africa as ‘One Africa’ in regards to the endemic. Check out this compelling video with very interesting and enlightening data visuals. Its both educational, and thought provoking.

Thanks Mr. Vyas for sharing this video with me!

UPDATE: The disturbing "Virgin Myth"

My last blog post talked about some of the reasons that
the HIV and AIDS rates in Africa surpass those of other continents by alarming amounts. One of the points I discussed was the fact that Africa is faced with the challenge of overcoming several myths and beliefs concerning HIV/AIDS. A recent article on CNN.com concerned itself with a particularly abominable and shocking myth; namely, the idea that by having sex with a young virgin, one will be cured of the disease. Betty Makoni, a rape survivor, told CNN of her personal struggle, and what she has done to help fellow victims, and prevent other girls from going through what she did. I urge you all to take a look at the article, as well as Makoni’s Girl Child Network program. Betty Makoni (above)

Why HIV/AIDS is more prevalent in Africa

A friend of mine recently asked me why HIV/AIDS is so much more prevalent in Africa than anywhere else in the world. Seeing that this topic is something I am somewhat knowledgeable about, I thought the question would be relatively easy to answer. However, after several minutes of roundabout answers and ‘maybes’ and ‘I thinks’, I realized that I really did not have a concrete response to her question. There are, however, several factors that account for Africa’s high infection rate, so I decided to summarize a few of them briefly.

The first, and most common reason, is the high rate of poverty and economic disparity. Sub-Saharan Africa is currently home to over ¾ of the world’s ‘ultra poor’ people (just over 121 million individuals), and is seeing very little progress in terms of reducing the proportion of those suffering from severe destitute circumstances. Although HIV/AIDS affects both the poor and rich, it is a known reality that those affected by poverty, are more readily affected by the epidemic. There are several reasons for this, the first and most significant, being that poverty offers fewer defenses against the disease. By defenses, I am referring to medical defenses, educational defenses and financial defenses. As the lack of these defenses increases, the HIV/AIDS infection increases, in turn forcing more of the population towards poverty. The result is a perpetuating cycle of the epidemic leading to poverty, and vice versa.

This leads me to another bi-causal relationship; the one between education and HIV. I will not spend too much time on this one, because the correlation between a lack of education and an increased HIV/AIDS rate, is an obvious one. The epidemic, unfortunately, has a crippling effect on Africa’s infrastructure, particularly the education system. Education plays a vital role on both HIV/AIDS awareness as well as support for those affected by the illness. As th
e endemic worsens, a toll is taken on education systems as they lose teachers, faculty, staff and students. In terms of general HIV awareness and education, there has been a significant effort to spread the knowledge of the illness throughout the continent, however, due to a lack of infrastructure, funding and poor communication paths, there are still countless communities and individuals who do not fully understand the illness, how it is spread, prevention methods and treatment.
Also concerning education and awareness, Africa also struggles with the added challenge of overcoming traditional and cultural beliefs regarding HIV/AIDS (as I explore this cause, keep in mind that this is something that affects primarily rural parts of the continent, much more than urban and developed communities). Traditional beliefs have long impeded not only the process of eradicating the epidemic, but also the process of enlightening educationally unwilling parties. There have been several psychological studies and surveys that have recently explored the relationship between people’s cultural views and prevention efforts. One study published by the University of Connecticut and the Human Sciences Research Council in South Africa, was particularly informative. It found that about 34% of residents in Cape Town, South Africa (a country with the most HIV/AIDS deaths in the world), either firmly believed, or believed there was a possibility, that the disease is caused by spirits or some form of supernatural forces.

These misunderstandings are not only about the causes of HIV/AIDS. Many communities and individuals are misinformed as to how the disease is spread, and are also plagued with falsities in regards to people living with HIV/AIDS; beliefs that are spurred by deep-seated traditional and cultural understandings. There are several stigmatizing beliefs concerning HIV/AIDS sufferers, for example, that such individuals are the victims of witchcraft, voodoo, curses etc., or that they are involved in culturally unacceptable homosexual activities. With such negative stigmas, people are deterred from getting themselves tested, fearing the stigmas that are attached to the disease, much more than the illness itself. In fact, 44% of surveyed individuals expressed that these stigmas influence their decisions to seek HIV antibody testing. This, of course, increases infection rates, as people who are unaware of their status, are engaging in unprotected sex and are unknowingly spreading the virus at disturbing rates. However, as widespread and popular as these traditional beliefs may be, I firmly believe that it is not a specific issue about traditional and cultural convictions, however, it is a general issue regarding the misinformation of HIV/AIDS and its facts and details as a whole. It is an issue of broad-spectrum education and the spread of accurate HIV awareness throughout all levels of society and geographic localities.

These issues are certainly not all-encompassing, in terms of why Africa suffers from a far greater infection rate than any other continent, however they provide a basic explanation of some of the root causes. The high rate of prostitution, polygamy and promiscuity, sexual violence and rapid urbanization and mobilization also play a major role on high infection rates and the spread of the epidemic. I am well aware that each of these examples can be further broken down and dissected into hundreds of detailed, separate entities, however, I do not have the knowledge, expertise or time to do so. This is merely a basic exploration into a few possibilities and patterns. For more details, click on the hyperlinks throughout this blog entry for links to detailed studies and reports.

As always, feel free to comment or provide me with feedback, because TALK AIDS!

An Analysis of Corporate Social Responsibility

“In almost any gift-giving situation, there is some expectation of return, whether is it a tax deduction, a named building, or an enhanced reputation. That’s why anonymous gift giving is so rare. Giving always occurs within a social context that makes a gift reciprocal in nature. Perhaps corporations that give with some expectation of return are only being more strategic and explicit than predecessors who gave with equal expectations but said less about it - or who gave without planning. For a gift to be genuinely altruistic in nature, that is, for it to demonstrate other-centered love, it must have benefit to the recipient as its primary motive and purpose, but not necessarily its only motivation or purpose. Therefore, strategic or “smart” giving may be regarded as ethical.”

 

from: Media Ethics: Cases and Moral Reasoning. Christians, Clifford. 2001.

My Response.....enjoy:)

For decades, various corporations in the United States have used gift giving as a form of social marketing.  Most organizations realize that when done correctly, giving back to the community or to a cause will yield positive results in terms of increased business, increased awareness and ultimately, an increase in profit and market share.  In fact, studies show that organizations that practice some form of social marketing or social good, almost always do better than their competitors who do not participate in such practices.   The passage in question revolves around the idea of gift giving and in what context or situation it can be considered ethical.  According to Clifford Christians, “smart” or strategic gift giving may be regarded as ethical because its primary motive is to benefit the recipient, however, it is not the only motive.  I agree with Christians’ analyses that those organizations that say they are purely giving just to give, are less ethical, especially when that is not the truth.  To be truly philanthropic, a corporation should be open and honest about its intentions, those that are selfless and selfish.  Moreover, companies that are open about their intentions are more likely to do better than those who are not.  Consumers can easily spot spurious attempts at social marketing and will easily see through the feigned good-will.    

            Home Depot is an example of an organization that uses strategic giving in an ethical manor.  The organization donates materials and volunteers manpower to the building and rebuilding of affordable homes to families in need.   They also give back to the communities that their associates and employees live in.  Although such acts are clearly beneficial to those who are receiving the aid, Home Depot is benefiting as well.  By helping the local communities, Home Depot is establishing valuable and lasting relationships.  Families and individuals who receive aid become patrons of the organization as well as advocates.

            Exxon/Mobile demonstrates gift giving as well, however, strategically it is not on point and does not make a connection to the consumer as efficiently as Home Depot’s approach.  Exxon/Mobile spends money to protect tigers as their logo (sometimes) features a tiger.  This attempt at philanthropy comes off as completely phony and unauthentic.  Besides having a tiger as a logo, Exxon/Mobile and their product have absolutely nothing to do with tigers, or any animals for that matter.  In fact, Exxon has been accused several times for destroying the environment and violating human rights.  With a history like that, it seems like hypocrisy, as well as a futile attempt to do damage control on their already tainted image.  This would definitely be an unethical and counterproductive attempt at social marketing. 

            Finally, Microsoft is an example of an organization that is giving back to the community in a strategic manner; benefiting both the organization and those receiving the aid.  Microsoft focuses its corporate social efforts on providing software, computers, training, business opportunities and other technological assistance to those living in areas of the world that would not normally have access to such things.  Because Microsoft deals with technology, it makes sense for them to donate things that have to do with their industry, to people in need.  It also benefits Microsoft as an organization because they are not only building awareness, they are spreading their product to areas that are not familiar with the brand wars that surround the computer industry.  They are, essentially, tapping into and claiming, untouched market share.

            In conclusion, it is not only how companies and organizations are gift giving, it is often what and by whom the aid is being received.  If companies want to be perceived as genuine and authentic, socially responsible corporations, they must not only stay on strategy with their product or service, they must also have a genuine interest in the people they are giving to.  Companies should also make their intentions clear about what they plan to gain from their philanthropy.  If they do not do this, consumers will not simply take their word for it and buy their product.  Authenticity, honesty and a genuine concern for the cause, are the key elements in corporate philanthropy and if used correctly, are the elements which will yield the most positive results for the organization and the beneficiaries.

God Grew Tired of Us

I finally got the chance to watch the National Geographic documentary God Grew Tired of Us.  I strongly urge everyone to watch this beautiful, authentic and touching story about the lost boys of Sudan. The documentary revolves around the lives of four Dinka men who grew up in war-torn Sudan, but managed to escape life in a refugee camp and move to the United States.  They had never experienced running water, electricity or even mattresses.  I don’t want to spoil the story for those of you who have not yet watched it, but I did want to stress the incredible inspirational impact that this movie had on me.  It was humbling to watch these men learn how to use a refrigerator, experience a grocery store, and deal with everyday struggles of adapting to a completely new culture, all the while focusing on their families back in Sudan.  Some of these men worked three jobs at a time and sent every penny they earned back home, while running on less than three hours of sleep.  They struggled to fit into the strange American way of life, but they didn’t complain once, keeping the image of their friends and families battling famine and disease, close at heart.  This movie was a beautifully executed example of how one can publicize a struggle that seems so distant and alien, and make it real to those of us living comfortable and safe lives.  The story of the lost boys exemplified true cultural exchange.  They were experiencing their new lives in America, while telling the story of their countries struggle to those they came in contact with.  Well executed documentaries, that really convey the plight of others, without fulfilling some form of self-interest are often hard to come by.  It is sad to hear how many people, including my peers are not aware of the humanitarian catastrophe and genocide that is the struggle of Darfur.  I urge you all to watch this documentary and tell your friends about it.  Sometimes it’s easier and more valuable to learn from a documentary or from someone’s personal story, than it is to read the news.  Take the time to think about that for a moment…

“The way I see it there are so many ways to help people…It seems like there is no answer, but the answer for it is there. If you had good leaders in Africa, they would help the people.  But they don’t know how to treat people. They think of their own and they neglect others. It is a shame to have people that don’t take care of their own people”.  –Daniel Pach, Lost Boy

 

Twestival

For the last few weeks I’ve been trying to find some truly innovative and grassroots social media uses, that promote or benefit a charity in some way.  I’ve been looking for something that is actually benefiting others on a non-organizational scale, which regular online users have come up with themselves.  Of course there are numerous Facebook groups and causes that people join, which pledge to donate thousands of dollars to an arbitrary, faceless and often unidentifiable charity. However I can’t help but wonder if donations are actually ever made, or if the money ever lands in the correct hands.  Often times many of these Facebook groups that are formed in the name of aid, come off as a ploy to simply get as many people as possible to join a group; almost as a form of bragging rights. I was beginning to think that there really weren’t a lot of well thought out fund-raising ideas that utilized social networks well, until a friend ‘tweeted’ an interesting link to me.  I suppose I haven’t really been looking in the right places for great ideas, but this one is by far the most interesting and contemporary example of a social medium creating social change. Twestival, which was created solely by volunteers on Twitter, has brought together thousands of people from the online community, inviting them to support a clean water projects in Africa.  Over a short period of time, using only twitter, hundreds of strangers organized events in over 200 cities to get people to come together for an evening of fun and fundraising.  The idea was a success and has so far raised over $250,000 dollars.  I can’t comment on the logistics of each of the events, but the fact that this was a world wide function organized in a matter of days is remarkable. The website backs up its efforts with information about the water crisis in Africa and what the money will be used for.  Personally, I think it is amazing that a social medium where most of the people connecting do not even know each other in the ‘real world’, was utilized for something very real.  I hope that we will see more of this in the future both on Twitter and Facebook.  As always, I appreciate any feedback or comments, and would love to hear about any other innovative ideas and success stories! 

   

Cell Phones in Africa: A growing phenomenon with numerous possibilities

I recently saw a very interesting lecture (online) by Dr. Joel Selanikio, pediatrician and co-founder of Datadyne, a non-profit that works on improving the quality and quantity of public health data.  Although he focuses his efforts primarily on vaccination issues, this particular lecture concerned the growing opportunities regarding cell phones and computers in the developing world, particularly Africa.  Probably the most memorable and consequential statistics that Selanikio brought to light pertained to the remarkable growth rate of cell phone adoption in Africa and around the world.  In the year 2000, only 20% of the world’s population was in range of cell phone network.  Compare that to 80% of the world in 2008.  This increase is particularly noticeable in Africa. The reason that this is so remarkable is because the people who are buying these cell phones at alarming rates, are among the poorest people in the world.  The once widely accepted belief that cell-phones were only for top tier individuals in society, no longer holds true.  If people find something extremely useful, they will do whatever it takes to buy it.  There are several reasons that Africans are adopting cell-phones at a higher rate than any other continent.  Of course, there is the obvious fact that there is more room for growth, allowing for a higher adoption rate.  This room for growth combined with the fact that cell phones are cheaper than landlines, are not government monopolized and neither good credit nor a permanent address is needed in order to purchase one, allows for not only city dwellers to purchase cell phones, but more importantly, rural communities all over Africa.  As Selanikio points out in his lecture, this cell phone growth is in no way aided by UNAIDS efforts or a World Bank project, this is simply regular people buying cell phones through means of their own. 

So why does all this matter? This phenomenon, or revolution, should really concern anyone who is interested in public health, or the dissemination of any kind of information.  People in the western world, particularly marketers and public health practitioners, have often wondered, “What could we do if everyone in the world had a computer like ours?” What we should be wondering, however, is “What can we do with the computers that everyone already has?”  Cell phones are essentially little computers that 80% of the world now has at their fingertips.  Particularly noteworthy is the low price of communication that these computers allow for.  For a mere 20 cents per text message, someone in rural western Kenya can text someone in Washington DC, receiving a reply in a matter of seconds.  Furthermore, almost all of these cell-phones have the ability to do simple searches on the web, and although it will be a long time before everyone in developing countries will have access to rich internet (graphics, flash etc.), they already do have the ability to conduct simple searches and receive text based information.  In my opinion, I believe this technology allows for endless possibilities, particularly in the health industry.  Selanikio touched on a few interesting ideas. He recommended letting doctors and clinicians in rural Africa have access to reference materials for drugs via sms (short message service).  Doctors could access this database and find drug interactions, doses and descriptions easily and quickly and then share this information with their patients.  This is something that doctors in the west can easily access through the Internet a resource that many take for granted.  Other medical usages include managing patients records on sim cards (essentially a memory card).  This would allow for portable records in a world of limited paper work and filing. 

In terms of HIV/AIDS prevention, I believe that this revolution lends itself to several possibilities as well.  The growing cell phone phenomenon is as appealing to teenagers in Africa as it is in the United States.  Text messages and text based Internet searches can easily be conducted by teens, and the dissemination of information from Aids prevention organizations could promote Aids awareness and prevention methods to an engaged audience, via a technology that they are already infatuated with.  One possibility would be an organization that readily answers all questions about HIV/AIDS via text message.  Questions could be submitted anonymously and answers could be received quickly. 

I believe that the cell phone phenomenon, or as Selanikio calls it, the Invisible Computer Revolution, that Africa is currently experiencing is one that is underrated, but ripe with possibilities.  It is an untapped resource that could not only aid the public health sector, but marketers around the world.  Again, ask yourself, what we can do now that for the first time in history, humanity is experiencing the ability to communicate cheaply and efficiently with everyone else in the world.   

Time photographs

I stumbled upon this slide show and thought I would share it with you.  As it says in the intro, take a look and then try not to care.  Here's the link: 

http://www.time.com/2001/aidsinafrica/

Social Media vs. Social Marketing

I wanted to clear up the confusion that commonly surrounds the terms 'social marketing' and 'social media'.  I sometimes forget that not everybody tosses around advertising lingo on a daily basis.  Since I am planning to formulate this blog around the effects of social media and social marketing on HIV/AIDS, it might be a good idea to define what these two ideas incorporate, for the edification of my non-advertising readers as well as for myself!  

Social marketing is the use of ordinary marketing tools and principles to achieve a certain behavior or to sell an idea (for a social good), rather than push a product.  The main goal of social marketing is to benefit society, rather than an organization. Social Marketing has been used for years in the medical field for health programs and awareness, particularly birth-control/condom use.  

Social Media, although similar in name, is completely different.  Facebook, Myspace, Twitter etc. are examples of social media.  They are primarily internet based platforms that allow for discussion, sharing and communication with a number of friends.  

There is no need to go into too much more detail about these terms, but hopefully this clears up any misconceptions.  

Welcome to my blog!

Hi everyone!

I have decided that its time for me to jump on the bandwagon and start a blog!

I've always wanted to, however, I wanted it to be focused on something specific.  I could never think of a topic that I was passionate enough to write about perennially, but now that the last of my college days are creeping up on me, I've began to give a lot of thought to my future and more specifically, to my career goals.  Growing up in Africa has shaped my views and the issues that I see as important and pressing, and I can't imagine not giving back to my home in some way.  I spent my most impressionable years on the continent and witnessed more pain and suffering than I hope to see for the remainder of my life. I truly believe that the HIV/AIDS epidemic that is currently afflicting Africa, is one of the major reasons that the continent is not progressing at the same rate as others.  There are currently 24.5 million people living with HIV in Sub-Saharan Africa, affecting the economies and infrastructures in crippling ways. This statistic horrifies me, but it also compels me to do something about the issue.  Although my blog will not single handedly eradicate the virus, it will allow me to inform people about the pressing issues that exist around the world.  Being an advertising and marketing fiend, it is only natural for me to explore the impact and the effect that social media and marketing has on HIV/AIDS, and the social marketing trends that currently exist. I'm hoping that by writing this blog, I will not only learn/inform how advertising and marketing can lead to social change, I will also discover what areas of social marketing interest me the most.  I'm sure that with time my writing and exploration will take several twists and turns and touch on varying subjects, but I hope you will all find at least some parts of it interesting.  Feel free to give me feed back, I would love to hear varying opinions and ideas

Thats all for now. Enjoy:)