So why reiterate the obvious? Because lately, a bizarre theory [AIDS denialism] has gained ground - one that claims that H.I.V. is harmless, and that the antiretroviral drugs that curb the growth of the virus cause rather than treat AIDS. Such talk sounds to most of us like quackery, but the theory has emerged as a genuine menace to public health in the United States and, particularly, in South Africa.
AIDS denialism has been around since the mid-80s. For more on the history of AIDS denialism, see the 1999 article by Bruce Mirken, entitled: Holocaust Denial, SF Style: The "AIDS Dissidents" Are as Vocal as Their Science is Dubious.
