Area 23, part of FCB Health, teamed up with diabetes advocacy organization The diaTribe Foundation for a campaign called “The State of Diabetes” launching today, on World Diabetes Day.
The campaign is based around the insight that if the 343 million people living with type 2 diabetes around the world were recognized as a sovereign state by the United Nations it would be the world’s third largest country. So Area 23 and The diaTribe Foundation launched an initiative petitioning the United Nations to recognize type 2 diabetes as a sovereign nation. While it’s fair to assume that no one involved actually expects that one to pan out, The diaTribe Foundation hopes the initiative will “spark conversations about furthering education and awareness efforts, and even inspire access to healthier food across the globe.”
“In emerging nations—where processed and fast foods are too often more accessible than healthier options—‘lifestyle choices’ may not really be choices,” explains Kelly Close, founder of The diaTribe Foundation. “Education on an individual basis is only one piece of the puzzle. We need to put type 2 diabetes awareness on the agenda, at the national and international levels.”
Area 23 also worked with artist Henry Hargreaves and director Tim Hawkey for a PSA video promoting the initiative. The video sees Hargreaves construct a world map made out of the kind of unhealthy foods that can contribute to the development of type 2 diabetes and asks “What kind of world are we creating?” before directing viewers to the campaign microsite, where they can choose to sign a petition addressed to the UN. Print ads for the campaign are designed to drive traffic to the microsite as well, while social media efforts will also support the campaign.
Credits:
Creative Team: Andy Gerchak and Kent Wilkinson
Creative Team: Austin Sabattis and Samantha Quiles
Website: Abby Stellpflug and Bill Hanff
PSA:
Director: Tim Hawkey
Artist: Henry Hargreaves
DP: David Claessen
Producer: Ronnie Caltabiano