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South End Press, 7 Brookline St. no. 1, Cambridge, MA 02139-4146. ISBN 0785970674-7, 0-890608-673-9pbk. $40.00, $19.00pbk.
Alexander Irwin, Joyce Millen, Dorothy Fallows. 2003.
The book discusses 10 myths about AIDS. The myths are: "AIDS is primarily an African Problem," "How HIV spreads is not a mystery," "Developing countries are unable to fight AIDS effectively because they are corrupt and badly governed," "The best way to control AIDS in the developing world is by putting all available resources into stronger prevention programs," "AIDS treatment for the poor makes sense morally, but it is not feasible technically," "Promising reports about AIDS vaccines undergoing human trials mean that a vaccine will soon be available to prevent HIV infection," "Activists' moral pleas for treatment equity are no match for the pharmaceutical industry's political power and drive for high profits," "Financial resources for global health are extremely limited, so public health officials in poor countries should prioritize programs that address basic needs, such as nutrition, clean water, maternal health, and childhood immunization," "People in the US and other wealthy countries have nothing to gain by fighting AIDS in the developing world," and "Even with good intentions, ordinary people in rich countries can do little to help in the struggle against AIDS in poor countries." Each myth has a response. These responses are very descriptive and point out why the myth is not to be accepted. The final sentence in the conclusion sums it up: "By the choices we make with respect to AIDS, we are defining our moral selves, and determining the ethical character of the world we will inhabit and leave to future generations." A directory of resources for activism is included. This is a recommended book for all libraries.
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