Nationwide Screening For A.I.D.S. ‘must Come’ (Press, 29 October 1986)

In an interview with the "Sunday Times" on 29 October 1986, Dr Anthony Robertson, a prominent British scientist and president of the Research, Testing and Development Corporation in Georgia, stressed the urgent need for nationwide A.I.D.S. screening in countries where the disease exists. He highlighted that A.I.D.S. is spreading at a faster rate among heterosexuals than homosexuals in the United States. Dr Robertson expressed concern that current efforts, including safe sex education, have not effectively curbed the disease's progression. He indicated that the statistical analysis conducted by his corporation, which was presented at a symposium on A.I.D.S. and heterosexuality in New York, revealed that the number of A.I.D.S. cases among heterosexuals who had sexual contact with an infected individual was doubling every six to seven months. As of mid-October 1986, there were 450 reported A.I.D.S. cases among heterosexuals, a significant increase compared to the total number among homosexuals four years prior. In total, the United States had about 27,000 confirmed A.I.D.S. victims, with estimates suggesting that three to four million people were infected with the virus. The situation in Britain appears to be developing more slowly, with just over 500 reported A.I.D.S. victims to date, half of whom have died, and an estimated 30,000 individuals carrying the virus. Dr Robertson pointed out that the virus could easily be transmitted through normal heterosexual intercourse, which raises further concerns about the rapid rise in cases among heterosexuals. He proposed that broad screening could become necessary due to the greater number of risky partners in heterosexual relationships, or potentially because heterosexual transmission might be even easier than homosexual transmission. The reluctance of health authorities to implement screening has been attributed to fears of discrimination against homosexuals and the profound social consequences that could ensue. Dr Robertson advocated for routine testing of the entire adult population in countries affected by A.I.D.S., suggesting that individuals should be tested every few months and issued certifications. In the same report, Professor Sir Richard Doll, a well-respected epidemiologist known for his studies on smoking and contraception, echoed Dr Robertson's sentiments by calling for widespread random A.I.D.S. testing in Britain. The urgency of these recommendations underscores the increasing concerns regarding the spread of A.I.D.S. and the need for proactive public health measures.

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