On Friday, October 24, 2008, the NYU Master’s Program in Global Public Health will host three noted experts for a provocative discussion entitled “Rethinking HIV Strategy: Debating What Works.” Daniel Halperin, William Easterly and Helen Epstein will convene at 7:00 p.m. at New York University’s Vanderbilt Hall, 40 Washington Square South, New York, N.Y., following a pre-event reception at 6:30 p.m.

To RSVP, please visit www.nyu.edu/mph/events.

Since the eruption of the HIV pandemic two decades ago, global public health experts have long advocated two major approaches in preventing the spread of the deadly disease: condom distribution and HIV testing. However, some scientists and researchers are now denying the effectiveness of these strategies. They are demanding a new approach to fighting HIV and Aids in regions like Africa. Recent evidence, multiple viewpoints: ultimately, what works and what doesn’t when it comes to prevent the spread of HIV in Africa? The program’s panelists include:

  • Daniel Halperin, Ph.D., is Lecturer on International Health, Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard School of Public Health
  • Bill Easterly, Ph.D., is Professor of Economics, faculty affiliate of Africa House, Co-Director of Development Research Institute at New York University, and author of “The White Man’s Burden: Why the West’s Efforts to Aid the Rest Have Done So Much Ill and So Little Good” (Penguin, 2006)
  • Helen Epstein, Ph.D., is a noted HIV/AIDS expert and public health researcher, and author of “The Invisible Cure: Africa, the West, and the Fight against AIDS” (Viking, 2007).

The 7:00 p.m. dialogue is free and open to the general public, as is the pre-program reception, which will begin at 6:30 p.m.


About the NYU Master’s Program in Global Public Health:
In response to the recognition that no single disciplinary approach is sufficient to respond to today’s complex global health challenges, five of New York University’s premier professional schools collaboratively offer the NYU Master’s Program Global Public Health, awarding the Master of Public Health degree (M.P.H). The program prepares professionals with advanced degrees from multiple disciplines to play leadership roles in promoting global health. Graduates of the program are uniquely qualified to lead multidisciplinary initiatives to enhance the health status of individuals and communities around the world. For more information, visit the program website at http://www.nyu.edu/mph.

Press Contact

Robert Polner
Robert Polner
(212) 998-2337