12th World AIDS Conference
Geneva, Switzerland
June 28-July 3 1998

[Abstract Number 34376]

US network of AIDS health fraud task forces empowers communities to make informed choices about their health care

Rosario Quintanilla Vior¹ B. Dodson². ¹US FDA 19900 Macarthur Blvd. Suite 300, Irvine, California, ²US Food and Drug Administration, Rockville, MD, USA

Issue: People confronted with a life-threatening illness like HIV/AIDS are often willing to try anything that promises to help.  This has created a market of false and misleading treatment options that are touted to persons living with AIDS, HIV positive, or at risk for infection.  These fraudulent options can lead to physical, emotional, or financial detriment.

Project: A network of AIDS Health Fraud Task Forces throughout the United States of America has developed a proactive approach to combat these fraudulent product/treatment promotions affecting people with HIV/AIDS and their partners, family, and friends.  The network, sponsored by the US Food & Drug Administration, strives to promote awareness, and prevent fraud through education that empowers individuals.  The Task Forces have developed hotlines, workshops, conferences, and advocacy sharing as an alert mechanism to new fraudulent product promotion.  Media has been utilized to broaden awareness in the diverse communities served.  Members of the Task Force Network include persons living with HIV/AIDS, community based organizations, treatment advocates, health care practitioners, educators, federal and state government officials, and local health care departments.

Results: As the Task Forces have successfully delivered their messages, and more therapies have been approved and available, it is believed that the number of fraud cases is diminishing.  Individuals are now more informed as to how to screen out dubious treatment practices and empowered to select quality health care options.

Lessons Learned: The Task Forces have learned to make informed decisions that affect their quality of life.

Author-indicated categories:
Choice 1: Track D Social and Behavioral Science, Social Impact & Responses, National and international networks
Choice 2: Track D Social and Behavioral Science, Social Impact & Responses, Impact & response, community

Poster

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Office of Special Health Issues
July 10, 1998