Avoidance Of A.I.D.S. (Press, 14 April 1987)
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Summary: Avoidance Of A.I.D.S. (Press, 14 April 1987)
In a series of letters published in early April 1987, the discussion surrounding the A.I.D.S. epidemic and its prevention strategies was sparked. Varian J. Wilson, in his letter dated April 7, recounted his experiences in 1943 while serving in Tulear, Madagascar. He highlighted the rampant prevalence of venereal diseases among servicemen despite strict military discipline, education on safe sex, and the availability of condoms. Out of 33 personnel on three flying boats, 28 were incapacitated due to venereal diseases, a situation he attributed to the presence of attractive, promiscuous women and the influence of cheap alcohol. Wilson argued that talking about safe sex would not curb the spread of A.I.D.S.; instead, he believed the focus should be on reducing promiscuity and addressing what he considered the misattribution of responsibility for the disease's spread to heterosexuals rather than to the gay community. In response, David Hide wrote a letter published on April 10, 1987, countering Wilson's claims. He referred to a report from Johns Hopkins University, which indicated that a significant percentage of reported A.I.D.S. cases in Africa were women, with increases in cases also observed in Haiti over recent years. The report further noted compelling evidence of heterosexual transmission, citing instances of H.I.V. infection in sexual partners of infected individuals, women who were artificially inseminated with infected donor sperm, and female sex workers. Hide cautioned against Wilson's implication that A.I.D.S. posed little risk to heterosexual individuals, urging that such assertions could undermine prevention efforts. This exchange reflects the broader debates of the time regarding the epidemiology of A.I.D.S., the role of behavioural factors in its spread, and the responsibilities of public health messaging.
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