Campaign
Coke + Condoms
Troy Kennedy
Popularity
This is the most popular campaign
Every 16 seconds, someone dies from AIDS, and every 12 someone else contracts the virus, most of these deaths occur in Sub-Saharan Africa. With medicine expensive and difficult to access, prevention is key to the preservation of life. The UNFPA estimates that in 2005 at least 13.1 billion condoms were needed to significantly reduce the spread of HIV. The number of condoms donated in 2005 was 1.8 billion - just 10% of the need. However, 16 billion Coca-Cola products are sold every year in Africa alone. More Coca-Cola is sold in Africa alone than condoms are used in the entire world. So how about distributing condoms in Africa by asking Coca-Cola to use their massive distributional practices to team up with the UNFPA and ask them to supply a condom with each bottle? This grand scale distribution could massively reduce infection rates and save lives. I am campaigning not only to give more Africans the protection they need against this deadly virus, but also to raise awareness of big businesses' responsibility to the customers they serve all over the world and the lives they have the power to save with collaborative effort with charities and individuals.
Comments
Gosh! What are C4 doing about it? Well done Amber for coming clean!!!
Cookiefish, 07 November 2008 12:37
I was talking to Amber, the page's editor, and she told me that Channel 4 is aware of evidence linking Cocacola to the murder of trade union officials. I was surprised, but there you go.
Dumbo, 07 November 2008 12:33
http://www.new.facebook.com/group.php?gid=19613726294&ref=ts Join our group, if you support our cause. Ta.
Troy, 02 October 2008 13:30
This is a great idea and campaign, it makes sense and is 'do-able' it is much better than just spreading information for people in this country, because we know of the problem. Actually distributing the protection people need in a sensible way, might just be the answer.
Jake Reynolds, 29 September 2008 09:32
To clarify things, no way am I suggesting or campaigning for Coca-Cola to give away a free condom to everyone that buys a drink from them! Like Ryan has suggested that will tarnish their image, and like Keith has said it, that wouldn't work for the poorest people who can't afford a Coke (even though it is much, much cheaper than in developed countries). I am suggesting that people like the UNFPA and other charities team up with Coca-Cola and use their distribution network to get this things to people. Coca-Cola undeniably have a huge reach in Africa, imagine if we could use this network to deliver more than just fizzy drinks!
Troy, 16 September 2008 19:42
Unfortunately i don't think that the people that can afford Coke are the ones that need the condoms
Keith O'Brian, 16 September 2008 15:07
Look at the iusse from cokes piont of veiw this would assocate coke with sex and this is not good as coco-cola is sold primaryily to kids!! good idea though, but perhaps it would be better to use a less globally recognised brand, as this could damage the brand awareness!!
Ryan Thompson, 15 September 2008 11:02
Just so you know: Channel 4 is not aware of any evidence linking Cocacola to the murder of trade union officials. Thanks, Amber (Battlefront Site Editor)
Amber, 10 September 2008 16:02
Good plan in theory, but sadly it is hard to believe the same Coca Cola coporation that is reported to be involved in the murders of trade unionists would give out free condoms at no profit for themselves, and at the danger of losing sales to religious groups opposed to contraception.
Donnie, 09 September 2008 21:27
Well done for picking up on the potential of Coke's distribution networks. There have already been posts here about the Cola Life campaign. The Cola Life blog sets out meetings with Coke execs where they discussed the issues around distributing condoms - http://tinyurl.com/5mg5a4. If your campaign gets through this may be a factor you wish to consider as you focus your campaign to really make a difference...
Paul Massey, 03 September 2008 04:22
Natalie - You're right, there has unfortunately been rumours like those you've described; that's why it is so important that these people receive not only the protections to combat the virus, but also the education to prevent the disease and to quash the rumours. Cameron - I've had a look at your site and sent you a message, have a look in your inbox.
Troy, 01 September 2008 12:01
It's a good idea, but I also think it'ld be wise to include information dispelling myths about "cures" for aids. I heard some men believe that by having sex with a child they will be cured.
natalie, 28 August 2008 12:58
Nice idea Troy. Check out www.bottletop.org and drop me an email. Cam
Cameron, 27 August 2008 13:08
Lukas, you are right. Information and education could perhaps be just as or even more important than the protective devices themselves. In fact that what some people already pointed out and made us aware of: check out here where idea of Coke + Condoms was put up for discussion. http://debateclub.ning.com/
Troy, 26 August 2008 22:05
I think it is a really good idea to use existing distribution systems to spread contraceptive and protective devices! But one should not forget to enlighten the people how and why they should use condoms. Otherwise there will be a lot of free balloons in Africa... But there should be ways to ensure not only the proper use but also the use of condoms itself.
Lukas, 20 August 2008 15:30
i really like your picture! where did you get it from? and what made you think of it? as you can see from mine im not that talented with photo's! xxx
gemanie mabey, 19 August 2008 13:13
I am glad other people have picked up on the idea of using large distributional practices already in place to get people the medicines or equipment that will help them. However, there are still millions of people getting infected and dying each day from a preventable disease. Coke + Condoms, could be the way to alleviate the problem and save lives. And say people are going to want to have sex more if they have access to condoms, is rather cynical. We know that prevention is cheaper and more effective than medicines, so why can't we make sure these people get the protection they need?
Troy, 18 August 2008 16:05
To be fair, addressing HIV/Aids is different to addressing Re-Hydration problems, but using networks already in place to get medicines to people, be it 'Oral Rehydration Salts' or condoms or whatever is a good idea, it looks like it can work and I hope it will.
Vikesh Patel, 18 August 2008 01:31
So if there's already a similar campaign is it really fair for you to be putting this one forward when their are other campaigns which need more publicity and help. Granted their all based upon something already in existence but as below your already being given an opportunity to help.
gemma, 17 August 2008 18:00
I started the ColaLife campaign already mentioned in the comments here. My understanding is that condoms have been tried before. Please see the minutes of my recent meeting with Coca-Cola here: http://www.colalife.org/index.php?s=condom Apart from the religious etc etc issues with condoms there is also the issue of how to deal with . . . . "The Coke and Condoms have arrived, let's have a party!" But using existing distribution networks to get day-to-day items out to people who need then is a great idea. We are looking at Oral Reydration Salts, educational materials on Hygiene & Sanitation (posters printed on plastic shhet?) and 'LifeStraws'. Perhaps we should join forces. Numbers matter in this game! http://colalife.org and http://colalife.org/blog PS: There is also a strong interactions between people living with HIV/AIDS diarrhoea, dehydration and mortality: http://www.vestergaard-frandsen.com/lifestraw-linking-diarrhoea-hiv.htm
Simon Berry, 17 August 2008 10:53
This is not only a great, imaginative idea, but also one that is practical and would make a real difference to AIDs. Great stuff - go for it. Giles
Giles Robertson, 15 August 2008 15:45
The idea will work with discretion, I am not advocating giving a child a condom, if they buy a Coke. But using the same infrastructure and distribution techniques Coke use to get their bottles to every part of Africa, why not put condoms on that same lorry or car or whatever to get them to different parts of the country and have them ready and waiting for adults to use. I think having condoms readily available and easy to access will not increase people wanting to have sex, but as there will be no excuse for unprotected sex, they will encourage SAFE sex.
Troy, 14 August 2008 22:39
Well, it's a good idea. But did it ever occur to you that you might actually ENCOURAGE SEX in this process? I mean, It can't be that they have intercourse as much as they have coke? Also, kids love these things, too. So if a kid walks into a store and asks for a coke he gets a condom with it too?! What is he going to do with it?
Fiona Novocak, 14 August 2008 16:51
This is a great idea. There is also a campaign to get Coke - ColaLife - to distribute medicines to help those dying from water born disease in Africa. Check out www.colalife.org
Chris Arnold, 13 August 2008 17:12
This is a good idea! It's true that Coke is everywhere, why shouldn't they use their power to distribute not only condoms but also other medicines that people need, but don't have the means of getting it.
Gareth Adhern, 13 August 2008 12:13
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thanks i drink coke every day and i need condoms
craig booth, 07 November 2008 22:41