DISSONANCE
AIDS, AFRICA, AND RACISM

UPDATE: Drug companies, backed by the World Bank and Rockefeller money, are preparing a publicity onslaught to target Africans as human guinea pigs in a hugely profitable and malicious scam at the 7th international "AIDS in Africa" conference during the week of December 8-15th. Read the background information below and find out more about the conference in DISS/cuss, the Ways forum for Dissonance. News Flash and activist alert for Dec. 8, 1997. If you haven't already, be sure to link to all the Dissonance resources on the global context of AIDS, including Rosalind Chirimuuta-Harrison's "Is AIDS African?" and Richard Rath's hypertext "Horton Hears the WHO."

In their book AIDS, Africa and Racism, Richard and Rosalind Chirimuuta, challenge the received wisdom on AIDS in Africa by unmasking the racist preconceptions that have guided the collection of scientific data. It is a timely response to the alleged African origins of AIDS. The authors have added a substantial postscript for this edition. In it they point out that even though several Western researchers have withdrawn some of their evidence and specific claims, they still attempt to substantiate racist hypotheses.

• New and revised edition published by Free Association Books Ltd, 57 Warren Street, London W1P 5PA. For information on how to purchase a copy of this book contact Rosalind J. Harrison-Chirimuuta [[email protected]].

What people are saying about AIDS, Africa and Racism:

• "The first comprehensive review of the scientific literature on AIDS in Africa and of the media response to it....Although today AIDS still counts 70% of its victims in the US, it is widely believed that AIDS originated in Africa, that it is the Dark Continent's number one killer . . . in a remarkable book, the first comprehensive review of the scientific literature on AIDS in Africa, Richard and Rosalind Chirimuuta address these issues in detail . . . Nobody suggests that AIDS in Africa is not a problem but if — as this book compellingly argues — the facts of the case are grossly overstated, then the Western medical research teams and the media bear a grave burden of responsibility." -- Angie Hoogvelt, The Guardian
• "This book ought to be used, inter alia, in the teaching of scientific methods in universities and graduate schools because it provides a dramatic illustration of how deeply entrenched bigotry can obstruct fair and impartial enquiries." -- Mwizenge S. Tembo, Journal of Modern African Studies
• "A stunning critique of the bad epidemiology produced by Westerners working hit-and-run in several cooperating African nations, which were appalled by the subsequent misrepresentations of AIDS in their countries." -- Cindy Patton, City Limits
• "AIDS, Africa and Racism argues persuasively against the AIDS-from-Africa hypothesis as well as the media portrayal of Africa as a continent ravaged by AIDS, with millions of people doomed and dying from 'infection' with the 'AIDS virus'... in the process the authors expose much extraordinarily shoddy "epidemiology" on the part of American and European investigators." -- John Lauritsen, The New York Native

DISS/CUSSION

UPDATE: Drug companies, backed by the World Bank and Rockefeller money, are preparing a publicity onslaught to target Africans as human guinea pigs in a hugely profitable and malicious scam at the 7th international "AIDS in Africa" conference during the week of December 8-15th. Read the background information below and find out more about the conference in DISS/cuss, the Ways forum for Dissonance. News Flash and activist alert for Dec. 8, 1997.

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Last altered May 22, 1997 / [CONTACT PAGE]