The INFO Project Blog

SING MUSIC VIDEO

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On World AIDS Day, December 1, 2007, a charity record titled “Sing” was released globally to raise money and awareness for the activist HIV/AIDS organization, Treatment Action Campaign (TAC). The organization campaigns for treatment for people with HIV and to reduce new HIV infections.

Singer Annie Lennox teamed up with 22 other female superstar singers to record a song that Lennox had written, “Sing.” Some of the other singers include Madonna, Celine Dion, Pink, Shakira, Dido, Faith Hill, Joss Stone, and Melissa Etheridge. The “Sing Campaign” also encourages people to get involved in the fight against HIV/AIDS by, for example, donating directly to TAC, organizing events to raise money for TAC, hosting the “Sing” banner on other Web sites, raising awareness about the Sing Campaign and HIV/AIDS by word-of-mouth, and educating children in schools about HIV/AIDS. Watch the “Sing” music video on “MySpaceTV Videos.”

As one of the authors of the recently published Population Reports issue on behavior change communication programs (“Communication for Better Health”), this campaign caught my eye for a number of different reasons. First and foremost, the campaign design of using popular music by well-known singers gives the campaign great potential for success. As mentioned in the companion INFO Reports issue, “Entertainment-Education for Better Health,” popular music can attract young people’s attention to health messages and make the messages appealing. Second, it was heartening to see a great line-up of famous singers coming together for a good cause. And last but not least, I was impressed to see how the South African organization TAC has gotten its name as well as its goals and projects out to the larger public! This organization is a prime example of how individuals and groups can influence policy to broaden the reach of health and development programs.

In the Population Reports issue, we discuss how TAC’s efforts resulted in the implementation of a countrywide antiretroviral (ARV) treatment program. TAC lobbied the government for universal access to ARV treatment through the government health care system. When TAC formed in 1988, ARV treatment was available only to a small minority of South Africans who could afford to pay for private health care. In February 2003 TAC organized a thousands-strong march on parliament, and in March 2003 it began a civil disobedience campaign. On August 8, 2003, South Africa’s cabinet made a commitment to provide ARV treatment in the public sector.

TAC is one of many examples of behavior change communication organizations and programs that have helped people live healthier lives. The Population Reports issue gives many examples of programs that have helped poeple to adopt healthy behavior, for example, by motivating them to visit health clinics, discuss family planning, use contraception, and to get tested for HIV. What are some of the best examples that you know of?
Learn more about the Sing Campaign.