Hi Delegates,
Here is some interesting background information (pertaining to the period prior to 1999, the start of our crisis) focusing on how different organizations raised awareness about the AIDS crisis in South Africa:
African Research and Educational Puppetry Programme (AREPP):
In 1987, this puppet show featuring indigenous puppetry and performances travelled across South Africa to raise awareness about AIDS in African communities. The AREPP sought to spread the message on protection and prevention through a friendly but informative 35-minute performance. Audience members were encouraged to interact with the puppets, and offer their opinions on what steps the puppets should take to reduce AIDS risk. This interactive and visual-based mode of delivery increases information exposure in communities with high illiteracy rates or distrust of the government, and demonstrates how creativity can be used to bridge the gap between citizens and governing agencies.
AIDS Foundation of South Africa:
The AIDS Foundation was established in 1988 to raise funds for palliative care, hospices, support groups, education, and prevention projects related to HIV/AIDS. This was in response to the difficulties in sourcing funding for AIDS related projects due to the political and social climate surrounding AIDS at the time; namely, distrust of the apartheid government, as well as misconceptions on the severity and mechanics of the AIDS virus. By contributing to education programs and working with local professionals through the Traditional Healer Association, the AIDS Foundation was able to decrease misunderstandings about HIV/AIDS in South Africa, and in turn increase funding towards combatting the pandemic.
World AIDS Day and the Red Ribbon Campaign:
In 1988, the Global Programme on AIDS at the World Health Organization established December 1st as the international day for AIDS. It is a global public health campaign which focuses on a different theme every year – the first few years were focused on the effects of AIDS on youth and children. This not only served to combat the stigma that AIDS only affects a narrow demographic (adult homosexual men), but also raised its status as a generational issue. In 1997, the World AIDS Campaign was created to further advocate for year-round AIDS awareness and education. The Red Ribbon is a symbol closely associated with the global AIDS campaign, and is often worn in solidarity with those afflicted with or affected by the illness. Through the implementation of an international day and recognizable symbol dedicated to AIDS awareness, the WHO has demonstrated that focused efforts to raise awareness are just as viable as long-term campaigns.
Delegates, as you begin thinking about how you will raise awareness about the AIDS crisis, consider whether your solutions are long-term or short-term, information-based or community-driven, and economically, politically, or socially focused. Who is your target audience? Why should they trust you? How will you reach them? In Model UN, “education” and “awareness campaigns” are often terms thrown around to serve as a catch-all for transforming your resolution from policy to action. Thoroughly researching possible target demographics, modes of communication, and specific actions awareness organizations have taken in the past will aid you in creating a solid, unambiguous solution to the issue.
