Advertising For Public Health
Telecommunication & internet has reached miles, cross the boundaries, linked each other, disseminate information for business deals & social welfare around the globe. However, those people with illiteracy are deprived of this benefits, & still required to acknowledge information through the medium of advertisements.
UNICEF reports nearly a billion people entered the 21st century unable to read a book or sign their names, & two-third of them are women.Also most of the senior citizens are not acquainted with the computer operations. So advertising is the most effective medium of communication, via television, radio, & billboard to reach the audience. An idea / message can be communicated simply & swiftly, making attractive to grab the viewer`s attention, & convey the important information in an instant.
Advertising can increase public awareness about aetiological factors responsible for disease conditions, & adapt preventive measures. Safe drinking water, sanitation, & hygiene are 3 major contributing factors for prevalence & incidence of infectious diseases, such as, diarrhea, typhoid, malaria, tuberculosis, & others.
Globally some 1.8 million children die each year as a result of diarrhea, & almost 90% of children are under 5 years of age. Promoting the imperative value of oral re-hydration therapy & breast feeding serve as an emergency aid.
World bank development indicators 2008 reported each year there are 350-500 million cases of malaria,with 1 million fatalities. Africa accounts for 90% of malarial death, & African children counts for over 80% of malarial victims world wide. Elucidating the significance of environmental hygiene, use of mosquito repellents would attenuate the causative factor.
Some ethical & tribal groups of people engage in illegal practices, such as black magic, offering animal lives, god`s curse,etc, for treating diseases. It is observed that 2.2 million children die each year,because they are not immunized. Advertising can be used as powerful tool for changing attitudes,habituate to accept modern view of medicinal approach.
About 40 milion people are living with HIV/ AIDS,with 3million deaths in 2004. 15million children orphaned due to HIV /AIDS. Explaining the implication of the disease, use of contraceptive methods, & availability of drugs for treatment would reduce the incidence rate.
The world health report 2005 estimated 68000 women worldwide die each year from unsafe abortion. The propensity to induce abortion for various reasons marks the need for emergency contraception. Over 70% women favour advertising of emergency contraception helps to prevent unwanted pregnancy,& avoid complications of abortion.
Broadcast media have been shown to be effective in destigmatizing psychiatric illness & promoting acceptance of people with mental disorders.The issue of dyslexia in children has been bothering parents, & doubted mental capabilities. Over 50% of NASA employees are dyslexic. They are deliberately sought after, because they have superb problem solving skills, & excellent 3D & spatial awareness.
In the event of outbreaks / epidemics,the public awareness programs helps early diagnosis, forth preventive measures, to fight against potentially deadly & critical situation.
Ban on adverting of alcohol & smoking initiate proactive measures, & avoids exposure of teenagers & adults from life-style diseases.
American public health association 2005, reported children watch most of the commercials of advertising foods, that of fast foods, & sweets.These foods exceed RDV`s of fat, saturated fat,& sodium,yet fail to provide RDV`s of fiber & certain vitamins & minerals. Excess intake of junk foods endanger health,& leads to disease condition known as obesity.
In developing countries,only $13 U.S billions availed to spend on basic health & nutrition. The government authorities are constrained to meet the needs of large scale of population. Advertising for donations,& public -private partnership propositions can better change the situation.
There are many more challenges faced by public health officials.However,educating the entire community about health issues through documentaries, commercials, news programs, public service announcements, & other TV programs proves beneficial.