The Cup, Condoms and Conversations

Being an avid football fan (or soccer as some prefer), my mind has recently been filled with thoughts of the upcoming World Cup taking place in beautiful South Africa this summer. The tournament, which is set to kick off on June 11^th, will draw thousands of visitors from around the world, spurring what the government hopes will be an evident economic boost. South Africa currently has about 4 million people unemployed, and hosting the games (which has cost the country about $4.6 billion in preparation) should lower that number significantly. Unfortunately, a high unemployment rate is not the only disturbing statistic. With an adult infection rate of about 18%, the nation is home to the greatest number of people living with HIV. The epidemic is fueled by unprotected sex, rampant prostitution and mother to child transmissions, all factors that President Zuma and the government seem to be concerned with fighting. Although HIV rates have stabilized in the last few years South Africa still has a long way to go in the battle against the disease.

So what does the World Cup have to do with the epidemic? Health care experts are concerned that the influx of tourists (a predicted 450,000 people) as well as prostitutes (an estimated 40,000) into the nation could cause a spike in HIV transmission. The South African government has responded to this concern by requesting one billion condoms from donor nations. Already the UK has donated and shipped 42 million condoms.In addition to the call for condoms, FIFA and its local organizing committee have urged HIV/AIDS organizations to push awareness messages before and during games.

With millions of people attending and billions of people around the world tuning in to watch the games, the World Cup lends itself as the perfect platform to raise awareness for South Africa’s severe HIV/AIDS crisis. There are several efforts and interesting programs that I would urge you to take a look at including Football for Hope and Football for an HIV-free Generation.

It will be interesting to see how organizations leverage the high viewership during the World Cup. Updates to come post World Cup.

The Danger of a Single Story

A professor from school recently sent me a TED talk from Chimamanda Adichie, and I felt compelled to share it. It is interesting (and scary) to think about the dangers of viewing people, nations and cultures from one stereotypical viewpoint. Adichie talks about an experience she had when she first moved to the US and her roommate was surprised to find that she spoke English, listened to American music and knew how to use kitchen appliances. I too am not a stranger to such encounters, having gotten asked several times why “If you are from Africa, why do you talk so ‘white’?” Granted, such viewpoints sometimes come from a place of pure ignorance, however, many westerners are simply not exposed to enough differing stories about Africa, or about the issues that the continent tackles. Why is this? In a time where about 75% of the US population has access to the internet, a source of abundant public data and resources, I would hate to put all the blame on main stream media and television, although it seems hard not to. Television does seem like an easy way to get accurate news from around the world, however, it is usually just one storyline, told from one perspective. It is important to conduct more of your own research and formulate your own opinions, thereby empowering you to create your own stories.

The reason I wanted to post this was because I have grown increasingly concerned with the way people who are suffering from HIV/AIDS are portrayed in the media. A simple Google Image Search for “people with aids” explains my point further. The typical stereotype for an HIV/AIDS victim is a poor, emaciated, African; someone that we would never meet or be able to relate to. Although it is extremely important to educate people on the dangers of unprotected sex and HIV/AIDS, it is just as important to tell the story of people with HIV/AIDS as human beings. These are people with lives, families and jobs; they are people that we sit next to on the bus, go to the gym with and buy our groceries from. This is a story that has not been told enough and I encourage everyone to take another look at it. Do not be scared to listen to several stories and opinions, and eventually, formulate your own opinions and tell your own stories.

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