How to Market a Deadly Disease - 10 Shocking AIDS Ads from Around the World

It appears that some of the most creative and inventive advertising is coming from nonprofits these days.

This week, I've been taking a look at the nonprofits and "for a good cause" marketing techniques. Earlier this week, we looked at the Anti-Smoking Campaigns. and Saving Our Environment Campaigns . Today, we turn to the the advertising campaigns being used to increase awareness about AIDS.

AIDS is a frightening and devastating illness that effects thousands of people every day and in every country around the world. In order to increase awareness about this destructive disease, many different ad campaigns have been used to try to inform and perhaps even scare the public about AIDS.

How would you promote awareness about a deadly sexually transmitted disease? Here are 10 that I think are the most interesting and effective:

1. Scorpion Ads (France)

The following series of print ads on AIDS by TBWA Paris called the Scorpion Ads ran throughout France.

2. Aids Makes Us Equal (France)

Part of the French ad series, is this Wonder Woman with Aids ad.

3. Diagnosis: Nothing is Perverse (Germany)

This print ad which I call the Diagnosis series is from Germany. This ad says:

Diagnosis: Nothing is perverse, except not using a condom. Note: By the year 2010, world-wide 150 million people will be infected by HIV. Treatment: Get informed. Finding out can protect against infection.

4. Diagnosis: Life or Death (Germany)

This print ad demands your attention by the Jung von Matt Agency from Germany reads:

Diagnosis: Life or death depends on only 0.003mm of latex. Note: Yearly 3 million humans die world-wide because of the consequences of AIDS. Treatment: Get informed. Finding out can protect against infection.

5. Hamburg Kids AIDS Installation (Germany)

This was a campaign for AJS, a non-profit organization that help kids in Hamburg, Germany that somehow are affected by HIV. The goal was to create general awareness, gain media coverage, drive Hamburgers to donate at least €25,000, all on a budget of $0...yup, ZERO DOLLARS! (Source)

They put up 114 little statues in Hamburg's main square, representing the number of kids in Hamburg affected by HIV, each with a quote of a child.

"Dad says" If Mark finds our our little secret, he'll never play with me again".

Mom has to go to the hospital. Do I need to live with strangers again?

6. The Past Interfering (Switzerland)

This ad is from Switzerland and reads,

1. No intercourse without a condom.
2. No sperm or blood in the mouth.

If the past's interfering with your relationship: check-your-livelife.ch Love life. Stop AIDS.

Another one from that same series has the same copy, but is targeting homosexuals.