Merck & Co is presenting its anti-HIV retrovirals at a large booth at the conference. Their marketing includes not only scientific information but also giveaways. What could be more attractive, in a hot summer day in Barcelona, than spring water? You can get a bottle labeled CrixivanTM StocrinTM. What kind of message does this send?
Water is clear and transparent, a source of health, the gift of a generous nature. Water is a symbol of purity, of transparency. Water is easy to swallow, with almost no use restriction, and has no side effects.
Water is refreshing, almost free and largely available.
Water: so obvious in developed countries. So unreachable for hundreds of millions of people.
AIDS 2002 Conference News produced by Health & Development Networks/Key Correspondent Team
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