Mann JM, Tarantola DJM; ed. 616 pages. New York: Oxford Univ Pr; 1996. $29.95. ISBN 0195090977. Order phone 800-451-7556.
Field of medicine: Public health and health care policy.
Format: Softcover book.
Audience: Public health practitioners, policymakers, researchers, and health care professionals.
Purpose: This is an update of a book first published in 1992 that tracked the global development of the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).
Content: The worldwide AIDS pandemic is tracked into its second decade in an attempt to characterize and analyze trends, efforts, successes, and failures. These analyses provide a framework for informing and improving current understanding and future responses.
Highlights: The editors have impeccable credentials and credibility; more than 100 top-notch contributors skillfully weave the book's major themes together. Ample and useful tables, graphs, and charts effectively convey data and information. References are excellent and up to date. The Table of contents provides an understandable "road map" for the book.
Limitations: None.
Context: Books such as this are written for large, diverse audiences. This book examines the natural history of the AIDS pandemic, seeking to draw important lessons about prevention and control in all parts of the world.
Reviewer: Bernard J. Turnock, MD, MPH, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois.
Commentary: The book concludes that although AIDS may develop differently in different countries, it inevitably establishes itself in populations that are marginalized, stigmatized, and discriminated against. As a result, prevention and control efforts will not be effective unless they address issues of societal vulnerability. This fascinating, provocative, powerful book has wide appeal.
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