AIDS denialism is a position on HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) and AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) that takes many different forms. In essence, it is any position that denies the current known data regarding HIV and AIDS. AIDS denialism can have severe consequences, regardless of denialists’ precise positions on the topic, as it can lead to unsafe practices and failure to seek medical attention.
In the early 1980’s, scientists discovered that HIV was a causative factor in the development of AIDS. This was a breakthrough discovery, but it was rejected by some from nearly the moment it was revealed. Throughout the 80s, 90s and all the way up until now, select people have rejected not only the initial link between HIV and AIDS, but also methods of transmission, the existence of one or both and the treatment methods that have been developed over the past thirty years.
Some common claims made by AIDS denialists are:
HIV does not cause AIDS.
HIV does not exist.
HIV is a harmless virus.
Tests for HIV provide false positives.
AIDS does not exist.
Only homosexuals can spread HIV.
Only drug users can spread HIV.
Heterosexual sex does not spread HIV.
Current treatment for HIV causes AIDS.
AIDS denialists do not necessarily believe everything that other AIDS denialists believe. They can believe all or some of the above. Conversely, all of the above statements are refuted by the bulk of the scientific community involved in HIV/AIDS research. The most important refutation being that HIV does indeed exist and it is deadly. According to the Centers for Disease Control, most people who contract HIV will eventually develop AIDS. In the years since HIV was first discovered, virtually every person with AIDS was also found to have the HIV virus.
During the start of the 21st century, AIDS denialism became part of the political policy in South Africa. Treatment for HIV/AIDS became scarce and misleading information put hundreds of thousands of people at risk. In response to the issue, 5,000 scientists put their names on a document saying that HIV is the cause of AIDS. Several years later when the outlook finally changed, it was estimated that some 330,000 people died of AIDS faster than they would have, had treatment and education been available.
Sadly, many prominent AIDS deniers, such as Casper Schmidt, have died of the disease. In these cases, it appears that the denial is not only refusal to acknowledge scientific facts, but also a means to maintain hope. Unfortunately, it is a very dangerous coping mechanism, as ignorance of the HIV/AIDS virus can lead to death. If you do not think the virus you are carrying can kill you, then you do not think it can kill others and may have unprotected sex. You may also refuse treatment. It is important for anyone with the disease to acknowledge the implications it carries.
Thankfully, AIDS denialists make up a very small portion of the world’s population. While ignorance and carelessness still play a role in the spread of the disease, this is usually not caused by outright denial of facts, which means that education about HIV/AIDS still has the potential to save lives. Now, we can only hope that the efficacy of HIV treatment can speak for itself and those who are sick will not deny treatment out of ignorance of the consequences of such a choice.
Sources
HIV/AIDS Basics, retrieved 8/24/11, cdc.gov/hiv/resources/qa/definitions.htm
Debunking Denialist Myths, retrieved 8/24/11, aidstruth.org/denialism/myths