Social Good Summit highlights need for HIV Advocates to use Tech For Good

Oct. 15, 2014 - PRLog -- The 2nd Annual Social Good Summit 2014 was held last month during UN Week September 21-22. It brought together a dynamic community of global leaders, thought leaders and grassroots activists to discuss solutions for the greatest challenges of our time. The theme #2030NOW challenged us all to think about ‘What type of world do we want to live in by the year 2030?

Speakers included UN Heads, Entrepreneurs, Scientists and Celebrities and they were shared their thoughts on unlocking the potential of technology to make the world a better place. The most highlighted issues were poverty, climate change, women’s empowerment and global health. During the conference Emma Watson unveiled the #HeforShe campaign which went viral and challenged men to start fighting alongside women for equal rights.

The power of social media is in its reach, and as we saw from the Arab Spring its ability to bring about rapid change. Activating youth on these issues and highlighting the innovations of youth is key. One innovation designed by young people, for young people, the Zambia U-Report empowers young people with knowledge and skills on HIV/AIDS and STI’s via free and confidential SMS based interaction with trained Sexual and Reproductive Health Counselors.

Alongside the need for greater access to health information, is the need for greater tolerance, less hate and less violence. HIV Advocates has been running a social media campaign to activate the hearts and minds of people in fighting the stigma and discrimination that are a major challenge and barrier towards fighting AIDS. HIV Advocates calls for a New Research Agenda #IntoleranceVaccine, an #AntiViolenceCondom and #AntiHatePill and recognizes that without changing the hearts and minds of people, technology and medical innovations will always fall short.

In years from now as we look back at the enormous progress we will make, we can bear in mind that everything starts with an idea.

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