November 13, 2007

Survey Uncovers Global AIDS Misconceptions

Many people around the world do not think that AIDS is fatal, according to a study released today by the MAC AIDS Fund (uk.reuters.com, 11/13).

The nine-country survey examined global perceptions of HIV/AIDS from people in the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Russia, China, India, Mexico, Brazil and South Africa. More than 40 percent of people did not believe that AIDS is a fatal disease. Many respondents also wrongly believed that there already exists cure for HIV.

“The strength of the survey lies in its exclusive focus on issues related to AIDS, its span of nine countries and the fact that it poses frank, specific questions at a time when we need frank, specific answers to increase the effectiveness of our global response to the epidemic,” said Nancy Mahon, executive director of the MAC AIDS Fund.