HESO 449: Ecohealth SDS

I like how this video starts out, and the overall lessons are key- however I think her examples at the end could have been chosen a bit more wisely. For example, using pictures of men who are about to be circumcised to illustrate a “cool factor” seemed a bit degrading. If this circumcision clinic was in North America, would we be as willing to exploit these men’s pictures on a globally viewed TED talk for the purpose of illustrating the social lessons we can learn from Coke?

This is a really interesting video. Once again, it is shown that everything is inter-connected with health the environment. I hope that one day governments and NGOs etc. can begin to take measures similar to those coke has taken and that there would no longer be these diseases that may be avoided with better reducation and sanitation.

On the circumcision note. I would think that they asked for their permissions before posting the pictures up. Also, in some parts of the world, male circumcision is celebrated, in similar ways to birthdays if not with more glamour. However, in North America I have noticed that circumcition is a subject that is usually avoided. Maybe for this reason, if this clinic was in NA the men’s pictures would not be made public.

I thought this was interesting. It is undeniable that cocacola has very smartly managed to distribute their product to almost unimaginable markets for a luxury item. But I think what this points out is the power and resources of a large corporation compared to the often limited power of non-profits, NGO’s, etc who are the purveyors of condoms and vaccinations. To give this presentation with the target of comparatively small organizations, without the enormous capital and political power of a multi-national like coca cola, is this an appropriate comparison? Who will pay for a World Cup ad campaign for sanitation?
I also think that branding is something that is tricky in purveying the services Gates is equating coke to. Many of us are familiar with the Nestle controversy in many parts of the world with baby formula. Where does the line get drawn?
I agree with the need for real time data. I think though that everyone working in health and ecological health knows that it’s the ideal. But again, funding. It’s what restricts a lot a great work from being accomplished. It also causes researchers to have to alter their projects to get funding, from organizations like the Gates foundation.
I really don’t have many complete thoughts on this talk. And honestly I watched it a week ago and now don’t have sound so I’m relying on my memory of her words that accompany the video image, but I was also slightly offended and confused by the coolness of circumcision. If anyone can explain this to me I would greatly appreciate it. It’s a topic I still don’t fully understand as in why or why not to do it. My current limited understanding is that it’s not necessary otherwise nature would do it so I’m puzzled.
I think that my reaction to this whole thing is much different after attending a conference in which a speaker alluded many times to the Gates strategically pushing GE and pesticide use in developing countries. more to be investigated..

I liked this video, especially the simple yet very effective ways that coca cola has managed to transcend so many cultures, populations and eras. Regarding the speaker’s comments however, the one thing that seemed slightly off to me was similar to what Amy alluded to: the speaker’s interest in promoting health and development with the same energy and vigor as one being drawn to consuming coca cola. Although it’s a great idea to make a promotion that sounds cool, health related appeals are on the most part based on the need to promote the health and wellbeing of others, minimize death, especially preventable ones. And from that perspective, it’s tricky conveying and maintaining the seriousness aspect while at the same time entertaining your audience. I have no doubt though that ingenuity with this is entirely possible, and necessary, for that matter, especially in reaching and having an impact upon widespread populations. One of the ways I think that this could be brought about is shifting gears to basing health promotion on aspiration, not avoidance, as Melinda mentioned. It parallels a similar topic one may hear about in day-to-day life, namely significance of having incentives instead of punishments in law enforcement. Definitely a refreshing take on public appeal and what works and doesn’t work in different cultures.

I think this is a great approach to use in public health interventions, given its success with coca-cola. Personally, I believe looking into integrated methods for health promotion can ensure greater success and widespread acceptance. I know using a promotional basis can be a touchy subject and that ethics should be definitely considered. But once cultural differences are factored in, public health leaders should assess the bigger picture and see what the overall gains would be from such an approach. If it’s saving lives, and the model is not truly harming anyone…then it’s a tough debate.

And as for Amy’s comment…do you mean why should men be circumcised if nature made them the way they are? I’m not sure what the original uses could have been…but I know circumcision is done for hygienic reasons (in addition to cultural ones). Bacteria can build up under the skin and cause infection, which can also be transmitted from partner to partner. Does that answer your question? I might have misunderstood….

The points that Melinda Gates mentioned are very key to a successful business. I’m trying to think of how the model fits health care and public health interventions.

First of all, the real time data. We all agree that it’s a great idea but it is difficult to apply it to health care. Amy mentioned the lack of funding. The collection of data may be more difficult. Doctors/nurses/SWs may not want to be watched.There is also a lack of incentives for different health care organizations to share their data. Coca cola on the other hand, is ONE big company. The instant feedback from the real time data benefits the entire company in creating strategies for the future.

Melinda mentioned about using local entrepreneur talents. This is something that public health can use to work on. WHO did a report about 3 years back saying that the world is in shortage of 4.3million health care workers. If we can implement interventions with the participation and training of local people, not only is it easier to get the message across, we are also giving their economy a boost by providing people with jobs. Involvement of locals is a key when considering the sustainability of public health projects.

I really liked this video and how it presented its overall message using real examples and the comparison to Coca Cola achievement. One of the important messages of this video was that in order for the NGOs to be as successful as Coca Cola, they have to get local people involved in the intervention initiative. As she mentions, training the local people to deliver “direct healthcare” to people in remote areas is an effective method of promoting health and preventing and reducing illnesses. Community mobilization through “health extension worker plan” by which community members are trained to provide medical service in remote areas of Ethiopia was a great example of success as mentioned in video. Furthermore, measuring progress is another key component that needs to be done accurately in order to construct a sustainable intervention. Overall, I thought this was a very effective video and also fun to watch!

I love TEDtalks and how innovative the ideas presented through them are – this one is no different. I agree with many of the posters above, especially in saying that while Gates presents a strong case in terms of local community engagement and real time data management, the idea of marketing and enticing many public health practices on the scale of a major corporation is a bit unrealistic with the current state of NGOs, etc. She brought up a point I found very interesting in that just because we have a ‘need’ for something, doesn’t mean it will necessarily be ‘desired’. I find this to be very true – too often do we assume that people will automatically call out for more of their basic necessities than their desires.

I agree that there needs to be a change in perspective towards public health efforts to a more positive, assertive feel towards one’s health rather than ‘you must do this and this or you will surely die’. In my IHHS class, we discussed the subject of Health Behaviours and how people maintain healthy behaviours in their lives. There are 3 requirements in order for a healthy behaviour to stay:

1. There needs to be motivation for said behaviour. This comes from information, etc.
2. There needs to be access to the right internal and external resources that enable said motivation. (ie. the social support for the behaviour [internal]; proper tools and equipment [external])
3. There needs to be a pay-off; a reward for the behaviour whether it be a good feeling or a positive life result.

These three requirements are very much applicable to public health practices as well, I believe. It would be great to see some innovative ways to make sure these requirements are presented in aid work in the future.