International scientists, doctors reaffirm HIV causes AIDS

July 1, 2000
Web posted at: 3:01 a.m. EDT (0701 GMT)

In this story: 'Dissident' researchers advance alternative theory Incidence of AIDS in South Africa among world's highest Declaration acknowledges criticism of the West RELATED STORIES, SITES

From CNN Medical Correspondent Jonathan Aiken

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Just days before an international AIDS summit opens in Durban, South Africa, nearly 5,000 scientists and medical doctors have signed a statement reaffirming that HIV, the human immunodeficiency virus, is the cause of AIDS.

The scientists said the statement was prompted by recent comments from South African President Thabo Mbeki, who has expressed skepticism that HIV causes AIDS.

Among the signatories to the "Durban Declaration," published in the journal Nature, are 11 Nobel laureates, and members of Medecins Sans Frontieres (Doctors Without Borders).

MESSAGE BOARD AIDS in Africa

The group, which provides medical care in war and disaster zones, won the Nobel Peace Prize.

Mbeki supports the views of so-called "dissident researchers," who include U.S. virologist Peter Duesberg. The professor of molecular and cell biology at the University of California at Berkeley has been quoted as saying AIDS can be caused by lifestyle choices, such as poor nutrition, homosexuality, and recreational drugs.

Duesberg has also suggested that some anti-AIDS medications, including the antiretroviral agent AZT, can cause the disease.

"The scientific evidence is overwhelming that AIDS is caused by HIV-1 or HIV-2," the declaration said, referring to the two major forms of the virus. "It is unfortunate that a vocal minority continues to doubt the origins of AIDS ... we declare once and for all time, that HIV is unequivocally the cause of AIDS."

Mbeki's skepticism, conveyed in an April letter to world leaders, including President Bill Clinton, has proven an embarrassment to some South Africans, who regard the president as scientifically unsophisticated. The incidence of the disease in South Africa is one of the highest in the world.

Mbeki's government has not responded publicly to the scientists' declaration, but Mbeki's advisory committee, comprised of 33 members from around the world, has been summoned to Johannesburg for an emergency meeting July 3-4, in advance of the AIDS summit. The 13th International AIDS Conference begins July 9.

Some AIDS activists have criticized the advisory group meeting, noting that South Africa has not dispensed AIDS-fighting drugs to its population, citing their cost. But the government plans to pick up the tab for the group's 33 members to fly business-class to Johannesburg and stay in a $368-per-night hotel.

Mbeki has told Clinton and other leaders that the West cannot dictate how South Africa deals with its AIDS epidemic. The so-called "Durban Declaration" takes note of the South African leaders' criticism of the West.

"What works best in one country may not be appropriate in another," the declaration states, "but to tackle the disease, everyone must first understand that HIV is the enemy."

"Science will one day triumph over AIDS," the declaration concludes. "Curbing the spread of HIV is the first step. Until then, reason, solidarity, political will and courage must be our partners."

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AIDS2000: The 13th International AIDS Conference, South Africa, 07/00
The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Division of Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome
The CDC National AIDS Clearinghouse (NAC) Online
HIV: InSight
The HIV Daily Briefing: Aegis
JAMA HIV/AIDS Information Center
University of California, Berkeley

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