Sarah Allam
MCHC 2001
September 9, 2012
Title of proposed paper: The Many Sides of HIV Diagnosis: The Science Behind HIV Testing and the Role of the NYC Department of Health
Abstract: In my paper, I plan to present both sides of the argument on mandatory HIV diagnosis. Some feel that the test is a necessity, while others feel that it is inaccurate and should be done away with. I also will discuss the both arguments on anti-retroviral treatment, which can be seen either as a medical breakthrough or a toxic threat. The two topics (HIV testing and anti-retroviral treatment) will be examined through the lenses of science/technology and development and the role that the NYC Department of Health played in trying to control the AIDS epidemic.
Annotated Bibliography
Auerbach, Marilyn I., Anthony T. DiVittis, and Joanne E. Mantell. Evaluating HIV
Prevention Interventions. New York, NY: Plenum Press, 1997. Discusses types of
HIV evaluation and the importance of such tests. Looks at social and political aspects
of HIV testing. Gives advice on choosing the right kind of evaluation in order to
provide the best prevention programs for certain groups. Also reports on barriers that
can be encountered during HIV evaluation and how to solve them.
Boruch, Robert F., Susan L. Coyle, and Charles F. Turner. Evaluating AIDS Prevention
Programs. First ed. Washington, D.C.: National Academy Press, 1991. Evaluates
three major AIDS prevention programs that were sponsored by the Center of Disease
Control. Explores types of evaluation and how to measure outcomes of research done
on HIV. Also evaluates media campaigns on HIV/AIDS and the impact that the media
has on this issue. Tests whether HIV testing makes a big difference. Recommends
randomized experimentation as the best way to evaluate the effectiveness of an AIDS
prevention program.
Maggiore, Christine. What if Everything You Thought You Knew About AIDS was
Wrong?. Fourth ed. Studio City, CA: The American Foundation for AIDS
Alternatives, 1999. Emphasizes that not much research has been done on the true
nature of HIV/AIDS and that most of what we know is in fact unfounded
scientifically. Contains data on the nature of HIV tests and the types of HIV tests
available. Also discusses why these tests are inaccurate. Also discusses protease
cocktails and other retroviral drugs and why they are dangerous. Written by an author
who tested HIV positive herself.
New York City Strategic Plan for AIDS. New York, NY: New York City Department of
Health, 1988. Details the New York City Department of Health’s plan to amend the
health care system to combat the rising AIDS epidemic of the 1980s. Describes the
extent of the demand needed to slow down AIDS and methods by which it can do so.
Details various programs and services that will be given to the public. Anticipates the
AIDS epidemic and how much New York will be affected by it in 1991.
Wagner, Viqi. Opposing Viewpoints: AIDS. Farmington Mills, MI: Greenhaven Press,
2008. Presents different viewpoints on various facets of the AIDS controversy.
Arguments include: HIV as the cause of AIDS, prospects of an AIDS vaccine in the
future, the necessity of widespread HIV testing, the risks and benefits of AIDS
treatments, HIV drug resistance, and alternative medicine, amongst others. Examines
both sides to vital questions about HIV and AIDS.
