But with .6 percent adult infection, fear of AIDS and wishful thinking are dangerous blind spots in our rich country's struggle. In most of the developing world, the epidemic is worse than predicted. We must guard against paralysis, educate and prevent here in the US, and admit there is much to be done worldwide. Since the first international AIDS conference in 1985, authorities warned of HIV's devastating spread without thorough national prevention programs. The years have been hard teachers about failed leaders and societal impediments.
Disaster elsewhere underscores the importance of efforts at home.
Epidemic anywhere threatens the whole modern world. One that could wipe out social and political structure and decades of the developing world's economic gains threatens regional and global stability and hope of mutually beneficial world trade. I cringe at economic and security arguments, but they speak to those to whom human tragedy does not. Still, if we feel so far removed from those facing the worst impacts of AIDS that we cannot care, we reveal our attitudes to a world in which we proclaim ourselves the only superpower. We also mark our society.