AIDS and Accusation: Haiti and the Geography of Blame (Comparative Studies of Health Systems and Medical Care)

In "AIDS and Accusation: Haiti and the Geography of Blame," published on August 26, 1992, anthropologist-physician Paul Farmer challenges prevailing narratives surrounding the AIDS epidemic. This groundbreaking study explores the stigmatization of Haiti in the context of AIDS, positing that racism and ethnocentrism in the United States have fueled misleading theories about the disease's origins. Farmer's meticulous ethnographic research in Haiti sheds light on how societal prejudices distort scientific discourse and public health policies, underscoring the critical need for health equity and racial justice. Ideal for college students, this book not only offers insights into the intersection of health and human rights but also prompts readers to question how cultural biases can shape global health responses. Engaging and thought-provoking, Farmer’s analysis encourages a deeper understanding of the social structures that influence medical narratives and the importance of advocacy in addressing health disparities.