The Invisible Cure: Africa, the West and the Fight Against AIDS

Why has AIDS so devastated Africa? Why has western intervention failed? And what is to be done about it? In a compelling and moving narrative, The Invisible Cure reveals why fighting the African AIDS crisis has been so difficult, despite the investment of millions of dollars over more than 20 years. It explores how corruption, incompetence and a refusal to see or listen to those most affected by the epidemic have done great harm. Above all, Epstein shows that the solutions are perhaps simpler and less costly than we imagine, adnd that they must come from the Africans themselves. 'Like travelling into remote and hard-to-comrehend territory with an unblinking and sure-footed guide' New York Times

About the Author :
Helen Epstein is the author of four previous books, including Children Of The Holocaust, Joe Papp- An American Life, and Music Talks, and her articles have been featured in The New York Times, the Miami Herald, and many Judaica periodicals. She is an affiliate of Harvard University's Center for European Studies.

Review :
Her subject - it soon becomes clear - is not just the nature of one virus, but of humankind Philip Gourevitch Like travelling into remote and hard-to-comprehend territory with an unblinking and sure-footed guide The New York Times A serious attempt to understand the epidemiology of thoughtfulness, as well as that of HIV. Epstein wants to know why clarity and honesty, as well as human lives, so often become casualties of AIDS New Statesman Some of the scenes that the author describes would be hilarious were they satirical rather than real. An important contribution to the literature of AIDS Spectator Practical, concrete and full of hard information ... Epstein's scientific background, lucidity of expression and habit of wide-ranging inquiry lend authority and accessibility -- Hilary Mantel London Review of Books