Do Your FingerTips Have Healing Powers

Aids, mental illness, erectile dysfunction, Leprosy–all of these diagnoses along with many others are still extremely stigmatized; and amidst the lack of universal support our community continues to suffer from their ailments. Even cancer, though activism is highly visible in the United States, remains stigmatized in many other countries.

Neighbors and friends believe the illnesses were brought on by the patients themselves. Misguidance and a lack of information cause fear and disregard among the general population. We tend to avoid the problem because we don’t understand it or we disassociate ourselves because we are afraid of what others may think if we support those who have been diagnosed. The patients themselves refuse to seek or ask for the help they need because they are afraid of the consequences. Many go untreated, ailments get worse, and some die as a result of insufficient treatment and ultimately a lack of friendly consideration or encouragement.

Through today’s technology—social media included—we have the ability to feed communities the truth, inform patients that the disease is not their fault, and help neighbors and friends realize that with greater support we may be able to find solutions. Ironically, the existing stigma impedes our desire to read articles about dysfunction or “like” a mental health campaign on Facebook.

In today’s social media revolution we are able to assist the most vulnerable populations. But how are we to utilize this new media to change existing behavior, reduce stigma, and disseminate accurate and useful health information around the world?

On Tuesday, February 19th, Population Services In International PSA will host a workshop dedicated to the usefulness of social media in global health programming. Remember there are ways in which we can all help. Don’t be afraid to use the technology you have at your fingertips to be a part of a global change.

This Blog was originally posted at Social Media Week--A professional conference in Washington DC. Please visit there website for additional blogs concerning the power of media networking. http://socialmediaweek.org/washingtondc/