From my studies and research on Vitiligo I have come to understand that some States in USA mark Vitiligo awareness in the month of April and somewhere else in the month of July. My question is how do we present our case - Vitiligo cause to the world stage, the United Nations (possibly lobby Congress) and or World Health Organisation to achieve success on a global Awareness day or month?
Vitiligo awareness cannot achieve its aim or become a known cause until this is achieved because obviously in so many localities, Communities and even Countries, there is no Vitiligo Support group let alone Vitiligo Organisations. With an approved day or month, we can make it a very big one and if media like CNN and others allover airs it, am sure we will be getting somewhere.
Even in some countries where they are, they are being run by medical professionals who doesn't really do much on awareness, but research. In as much as we need help for the effective cure to be found, we need to be living fully and not in misery or denial till then, truth be told, it is practically the case with over 85% 0f persons living with Vitiligo globally.
Do we write UN and WHO in our individual Countries? What do you think we need to do about this, I really dont know how it works, but must say its no longer about getting my State Governor to approve a date for us in our State, we must treat as a global issue.
Lets talk.
Replies
Just my 2 cents:
Best weapon is Media. Plus, it does not cost money to people. Plus, media is always looking for stories. Ex: Oprah or someone similar.
Second best weapon is via celebrities. They can contribute quite a bit. Not too long ago, someone published some list. I remember, Rasheed Wallace, Basketball star. Looks like he kind of retired recently. That is not a bad start.
Continue communication to political organizations, especially the Opposition parties. They are always trying to do something. For example, here in USA, people can start writing to the office of President Obama directly. Believe it or not, some letters do get response.. I believe in that.
to your point, find out a channel to get inside of United Nations....not sure how...
Thanks Nathan, yes all you mentioned am already using in my country only that the celebrities supporting us does not have Vitiligo, but one person though focal pattern and very small, all the same its a good start.
I am working on sending a letter to United Nations Information Centre (UNIC) in Lagos, Nigeria and as well WHO regional office in Abuja, Nigeria.
I hope to get a guide from there. Truth is that someone has to do it.