HIV/AIDS denialism

HIV/AIDS denialism

HIV/AIDS denialism is the belief, contradicted by conclusive medical science, that human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) does not cause acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). Some of its proponents reject the existence of HIV, while others accept that HIV exists but argue that it is a harmless passenger virus and not the cause of AIDS.

Pronunciation: /ˌeɪdz dɪˈnaɪəˌlɪzəm/

Etymology: The term "denialism" has been used since the early 21st century to describe the positions of HIV/AIDS denialists.

History

HIV/AIDS denialism has been described as being "among the most vocal anti-science denial movements". The promotion of HIV/AIDS denialism by a handful of scientists has been described as pseudoscientific.

Impact

The most prominent promoters of HIV/AIDS denialism have been Peter Duesberg and the Perth Group. Their promotion of this denialist position has led to significant human suffering and death, particularly in South Africa where the government's official embrace of denialism (2000–2005) resulted in an estimated 330,000 premature deaths.

Related terms

• Pseudoscience
• Conspiracy theory
• Science denial

See also

• HIV/AIDS
• Peter Duesberg
• Perth Group

References

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on HIV/AIDS denialism
• Wikipedia's article - HIV/AIDS denialism

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