H1N1 – and the role of Private Organizations

H1N1 in India is creating panic across the country. In a country of 1Billion (++), the knowledge of H1N1 is most definitely limited to a few people – that too  in the cities. A vast majority of the people in the smaller towns and villages may not have the complete picture yet.  And it is still early days!

The Government, moving as slow as they normally do, will surely take some more time to get their act together. Key messages required are on what H1N1 is and what precautions the people need to take. Though some messages are already coming to the press from the Government, it is still not comprehensive, and could be more thought through!

It is at times like these that the Private sector companies have a unique opportunity to add value to be great Corporate citizens. Many private companies, especially those in the FMCG areas, have fantastic coverage that go across the country. Companies such as Unilever, ITC, etc, which cover the vast length and breadth of the country through their sheer breadth of products, can use their marketing arm to not just sell their wares but create awareness of such potential calamities that can help the Government reach out more effectively across the country.

Coming back to the ad, what do you think of this?  Is it right way to advertise or could it have been done differently?

My take on this- Unilver through this ad,  have lost a great opportunity of educating the masses on H1N1 and also offer a solution. What they could have done could have been use the opportunity to create a  genuine Public Interest Ad – and talked about the H1N1 virus and how it spreads. It could have shown possible ways of controlling the spread- and one of them could have been by washing their hands regularly – using Lifebuoy soap/ liquids.

I hope they (and other companies) start doing this more effectively. We are on the brink of a major health pandemic- and the more hands working on it, the better!

Quick link to one of the sites with a brief write up on how to protect your health:

Take these everyday steps to protect your health:

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners* are also effective.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
• Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
• If you are sick with flu-like illness, CDC recommends that you stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone except to get medical care or for other necessities. (Your fever should be gone without the use of a fever-reducing medicine.) Keep away from others as much as possible to keep from making others sick.

Courtesy -  http://www.cdc.gov/H1N1flu/qa.htm

Take care!