President Reignites HIV-Testing Debate

South African President Thabo Mbeki questioned the need for HIV tests, reigniting a debate about acquired immune deficiency syndrome.

Mbeki caused an international uproar more than a year ago when he courted the view of some scientists who question the link between the human immunodeficiency virus and AIDS and believe that HIV testing should be stopped. After his public image took a battering, Mbeki withdrew from the debate.

But in a TV broadcast, the president said he would not take a public HIV test because it would send a message that he supports a particular scientific viewpoint.