WHAT is HIV ATLAS?
HIV ATLAS is a social media initiative connecting Wants and Haves in the field of HIV, Tuberculosis and Malaria with a local perspective and global mindset. HIV ATLAS facilitates effective interchange of community voices, key global policy forums for HIV and AIDS, Governments, Donor agencies, NGO Delegates and the perspectives of civil society, including people affected by HIV, TB and Malaria.
 
WHY HIV ATLAS IS REQUIRED?
HIV, TB and Malaria have multiple information sources, it is virtually impossible to keep track of information being posted all over by an individual. We feel that there is a real need to categorize the content in an easily palatable form. On an average there are around 150 very active forums and web platforms with information which should ideally have an outreach beyond their own audience.
 
Social media can provide reliable health services to millions of rural poor in developing countries. Many developing countries face a critical shortage of health care workers, representing a deficit of more than 2.4 million medical professionals worldwide, according to the WHO. Often hampered by poor infrastructure, lack of trained doctors and high costs of treatment and medication, relative to income, people in developing countries struggle to receive anything resembling the levels of care and access to health information that citizens of wealthier nations often take for granted. But innovations in social media and information and communication technology (ICT) can play a lead role in closing these gaps by connecting individuals and resources in an innovative way.
 
While the penetration of the internet and mobile technologies in development sector is quite high, they are underutilized. It is important to encourage individuals to harness the full power of the internet rather than simply using the internet. Organizations that have an understanding of the role these technologies play in these resource-limited settings will be better able to guide clinicians and HCWs to utilize technologies to their full potential. Guidance can be given using such technologies under the particular cultural framework, under the constraint of limited resources, and in concert with local and national organizations. Additionally, focus can be made to respectively encourage ties with local, national and international e-groups connecting intangible benefits of the internet to tangible benefits available in their native setting. Context is important, even in the age of the internet; as such, disseminating information regarding the uses of social media must take into account the settings and context of the target audience in order to promote its use.
 
HOW HIV ATLAS OPERATES?
HIV ATLAS categorizes the content posted on most active Websites, UN Portals, Yahoo, Google and MSN Groups alongside the content aggregated through our online and offline partners, friends and volunteers. Information is then posted through our Daily Wire on HIV, TB and Malaria. We keep adding to our Resources and Categories and look forward to your advice and suggestions.
 
FOR WHOM?
HIV ATLAS web portals along with their offline partners on ground are envisioned to serve:

1. People affected by HIV, TB and Malaria and their networks
2. People, Professionals working for the cause of HIV, TB and Malaria and Civil society in general.
3. Health personnel and Counselors.
4. NGOs, Social Entrepreneurs working for the cause of HIV, TB & Malaria
5. Donor Agencies, Family Foundations, Individual donors: to locate a perfect fit for their valuable gift.
6. Government Agencies: policies, programs and their implementation.
7. Pharmaceutical companies and local drug stores.
8. People with high risk behavior trying to find out help, consultation nearby.
9. Students and Universities interested in online trainings
10. Researchers, Scientists working for the cause of HIV, TB & Malaria.