The first rule of solving a problem is to understand it. For example, in business if the market begins to decline, we study the market trends and data and we assess the situation. We then formulate our response, align our teams, and act--carefully measuring results to ensure our response was effective.
In understanding the AIDS pandemic, you don't have to study very long to understand that this is arguably the most significant health crisis in our world today. Stats are everywhere. The magnitude of this problem is mind-boggling and overwhelming.
Before we can formulate any kind of response, it would be wise to ask the following questions: "Is there any progress being made? If so, what can we learn? How can we accelerate that progress?" In my research I was encouraged to learn that some countries like Uganda have seemingly begun to stem the tide in the prevelance of HIV infections. Their response includes a multi-faceted approach involving such diverse organizations as:
- The Government,
- Medical, pharmecuetical and other institutions,
- Extended families,
- A wide-variety of NGO's,
- The Church in Africa,
- The Church throughout the world
While the Uganda story offers a glimmer of hope, let the reader beware: this is not to say that the urgency for an international all-out coordinated response is no longer needed. The Uganda story is simply a bit of desperately needed news to encourage us in what will truly be a defining moment for the continent and our world. It is something to build upon.
The truth is: the outcome is still very uncertain. (According to Wikepedia, "The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) has predicted outcomes for the region to the year 2025. These range from a plateau and eventual decline in deaths beginning around 2012 to a catastrophic continual growth in the death rate with potentially 90 million cases of infection.")
In this sense, we are in a race against time. It is time for action.
Which starts to bring it home for me. As a business leader with a family in Central Florida, what can I and my family do? How can we be involved? What difference can we really make? We'll reflect on these and other similar questions in future posts...
Great blog from a fine man. Thanks for this. I look forward to more...
Posted by: Isaac Hunter | May 07, 2007 at 04:41 PM