MEDIA RELEASE

Center for Southern California Studies Hosts HIV Researchers

(NORTHRIDGE, Calif., March 6, 2008) — More than 42 million people are living with HIV/AIDS and nearly 74 percent of those infected people live in sub-Saharan Africa. Noted authors Gerald M. Oppenheimer and Ronald Bayer will address the African AIDS epidemic in a lecture on Thursday, March 13, sponsored by officials with Cal State Northridge’s Center for Southern California Studies.

The discussion will be driven by issues confronted in Oppenheimer and Bayer’s book "Shattered Dreams? An Oral History of the South African AIDS Epidemic." It will take place at 7 p.m. in the Whitsett Room on the fourth floor of the Sierra Hall, on the west side of campus at 18111 Nordhoff St.

"In their book, Bayer and Oppenheimer document conversations with medical professionals in cities, towns and rural areas about their struggle to provide care in an environment of scant resources and professional and political barriers," said Stella Theodoulou, dean of the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences. "It is a series of stories about indifference, opposition, unexpected resistance and material scarcity that show the South African AIDS epidemic to be a story of unimaginable human suffering."

Oppenheimer earned a Ph.D. in history at the University of Chicago, later receiving post-doctoral training in epidemiology at Columbia University. Since 1984, his work has focused on the HIV epidemic, an area in which he has undertaken both health policy and historical research.

Bayer received his Ph.D. in political science from the University of Chicago and is currently a professor at the Center for the History and Ethics of Public Health at Columbia University, where he has taught for more than 14 years. He has taken a leadership role in the HIV center’s work on ethics since its beginning. Most recently, with Oppenheimer, he has launched an oral history of the experience of South African doctors and nurses committed to treating people with HIV/AIDS.

Theodoulou said she believes Oppenheimer and Bayer’s visit continues the college’s ongoing commitment to discussing real world problems and issues that affect the region, community and global context.

"The lecture is an example of how the college and our faculty are actively engaged in increasing our community’s understanding of a complex and ever-changing world," she said. "The lecture by Bayer and Oppenheimer is another step in the college’s vision in providing groundbreaking research and a diverse and relevant educational experience for our students and community."