Combating HIV/AIDS,
Malaria and Other Diseases is the sixth goal in the ongoing initiative by the
UN and member countries which began in 2000 at the turn of the millennium known
commonly as the millennium development goals (MDGs).
ICT has a role to play in
combating HIV through stopping or reversing its spread globally. ICT has been
able to spread information about the disease faster and effectively to far
flung areas of the globe. Radios, televisions, mobile phones, computers and
other gadgets have been used to relay information that is aimed at combating
the spread of HIV. People all over the globe have been educated on issues that
revolve around stigma associated with the disease. Communities are now more
open about this disease and the victims are continuously being encouraged to
seek medical help.
Scientists and
researchers also use ICT to share their findings among themselves and with the
rest of the world. This has helped in coming up with new ideas that would see
cures being developed to eliminate the disease. Media has been used to bring
together groups of scientists, victims of the disease and those susceptible to
falling victim for purposes of research and cure development.
ICT has also been used
in documenting progress in how the disease is being dealt with and reports are
published to show areas where management and containment have been successful
and where some strategies have failed. This increases the awareness of all
stakeholders in the fight against the disease and works to improve their participation
in programs that would help stem the spread of HIV/AIDS.
ICT has also been
used by patients to access information that is useful to them. Mobile phones
have helped in relaying this information to where the patients are. Mobile
applications have also been developed to ensure that treatment is taken at the
appropriate time using reminders