http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RkQZD7iljIg
There is still no cure for AIDS. Even worse it is a disease that is 100% preventable not only in the US but worldwide. AIDS is one of the top killers in countries such as Africa and could be stopped with the access to education, proper medical supplies and protection.
Through campaigns like ‘project red’ and ‘walk for the cure’ organizations all over are trying to raise money for AIDS research. Throughout the course of the semester our class has discussed whether or not these programs and organizations are beneficial or detrimental to the actual cure for AIDS. One one end, something like a starbucks donation from a special “RED” drink might encourage people to buy a coffee that normally might not…thus aiding to the AIDS fund. It also might add to the fund from normal coffee drinkers who change their order to the special drink in order to help. On the other hand though, some people think that it would be better altogether if people were encouraged not to buy coffee or other products and instead donate the money in full to AIDS research. Likewise, many think that the advertising is a good thing and that it is a way for people to get involved. This however also has a down side. It proves to grant a sense of accomplishment to those who buy an ipod or a handbag and therefore could justify not participating in any more donations then their .05 – 10 dollars from their product.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T3S8hJUyuc8&feature=related
Another problem that I commonly note with AIDS advertising and awareness is the misconception that AIDS does not affect people in the US. Like the advertisment seen above, this is an ad that uses the face of people in the US to stress the occurance of AIDS even in our own towns. Many people feel disconnected to the problem when you seen the focus on Africa, especially during a time of financial/ economic crisis. The key to pinpointing prevention and awareness is reminding the people that AIDS is not just a problem in third world countries but it is also a problem in homes, towns and communities just like ours. With this reminder, people may feel more inclined to help and raise awarness around the world.
While we need to raise awarness in the US, we can obviously see the severe numbers of HIV infected people in Africa. Not only this, but the map above is figures from 2003 and these number have only increased in the following years. In fact, an estimated 44 million have HIV/AIDS today. Ideally if we could ship over cocktail treatments to prevent the onset of AIDS, life style and length could be improved by infinite proportions. But in reality, the money and access is not there for this to become a posibility yet. Instead, we can help to educate people in areas where condoms and sanitary equipment are enot available. Even with knowledge of how the virus works and what can be done to prevent transmission, rates of HIV could be decreased globally.
Global Health and other sites like it are available all over the internet and are easily accessible to all people. These are programs that direct people to get involved in awarness and education and inform people of what they can do that is not too demanding. People are commonly caught up in their own lives and are not looking to take on an additional big project and these are sites that can let people know the small things they can do to get involved. I encourage people to read about the facts regarding AIDS and what they can do to get involved. Education is the key, and people are too ignorant when it comes to this disease.
