Scientific Knowledge and HIV/AIDS

This week's edition of The Economist has an article on HIV/AIDS on the occasion of the AIDS conference in Mexico City. I was struck by the recognition that "careful science—starting with a scientific hypothesis, following it up with observations in the field and ending with clinical trials—" has been very productive in the search for means to control and eventually end the HIV/AIDS epidemic. It also recognizes that sometimes it is important to bring in people with tacit knowledge and skills and simply go ahead and do what they suggest to improve the efficacy and effectiveness of programs. Thus advertizing professionals have helped to design effective educational campaigns to advance the knowledge, attitudes and practices of the public with respect to the disease.