Vitamin peddler and HIV in South Africa

[watervole]

Science saves lives.  Bad science, masquerading as science, can kill.

Here's Ben Goldacre on the tragedy of preventable AIDS deaths in South Africa and the man who helped persuade the government not to use retroviral drugs because they were 'dangerous' and his vitamin pills (which are where he makes his money) would cure the disease.

Goldacre wasn't able to include the chapter in his book, becasue he was being sued. The case has now been dropped and he's publishing the chapter free online.

Comments

[lexin.livejournal.com]

Thanks for posting this.

[melodyclark.livejournal.com]

Excellent post.

These monsters (quack doctors) should be tried for murder.

[thebobby.livejournal.com]

I have his book and follow his blog. He does write well.

[watervole.livejournal.com]

Snap!

Did you get my email re possibly helping me compile programme data for Odyssey? I can get the programme items sorted out, but there's a lot of online bookeeping to keep details of when people are available and that kind of thing.

It wouldn't involve any work at con, is not time-critical as a rule, and doesn't need people skills.

[thebobby.livejournal.com]

I did get your email and i'm considering it. I think i will be agreeing.

[watervole.livejournal.com]

Here's hoping. If you try it and don't like it, then you can change your mind with no problems caused for anyone.

[adelheid.livejournal.com]

How about getting Ben Goldacre to give a talk at Odyssey?

[watervole.livejournal.com]

Already contemplating it. Intend to contact him soon and ask what he'd charge. (Would have done it already if not being cautious on budget)

[adelheid.livejournal.com]

As far as I'm aware, he gives the talk for free but wants his train fare up front cos he's rubbish at filling in expense claims!

[watervole.livejournal.com]

Works for me!

[beermat]

thanks for the link.
v interesting.