Silence and Dissent

The same scientists who proclaimed in 1984 that HIV is the (probable) cause of AIDS now disagree on whether the virus is the sufficient cause or only a necessary cofactor of the syndrome. Many other scientists have argued for over thirty years that HIV is harmless, while others find no coherent proof of its existence. This debate has been hidden from the public eye by experts holding dissident views being denied a platform. It is wearying to have to scour the internet trying to find clear answers to reasonable questions about risks to one's health only to encounter ad hominem attacks, conspiracy theories, homophobia, racism, pharmaceutical propaganda and the circumlocution and confusion that are the hallmarks of bad science. This short clear book provides some clarity about the range of scientific controversies which have dogged the various types of HIV antibody test since their invention - and about the stated aim and the accepted side effects of the various drugs officially recommended for those who test 'positive'.