Abstract

AIDS: Four HIV treatment issues are addressed by John S. James, the author and a recent recipient of the Achievement Award from the Gay and Lesbian Medical Association (GLMA). Issues addressed are: what should be done when viral load rebounds after treatment, whether people with HIV can receive quality care in the age of capitation and managed care cost control, the problem caused by Duesberg thinking that causes HIV-infected people to reject all medical treatments because of the theory that HIV does not cause AIDS, and ways to make medical research and drug development more productive. Generally, James recommends a need for advocacy to increase quality of care for HIV-infected people, including vigilance in attaining and monitoring new treatment plans. A direct point-by-point confrontation of the Duesberg issue is advocated whenever it appears, and the need for the AIDS community to come together and bring critical insights and direction in research and drug development is discussed.