Thursday, January 29, 2026-Peter H. Duesberg, a prominent molecular biologist who later became known for rejecting the scientific consensus that HIV causes AIDS, has died at the age of 89. His death was confirmed by associates, bringing renewed attention to a figure whose later work and public statements placed him at odds with global medical authorities. While once respected for his contributions to cancer research, Duesberg spent decades promoting views widely discredited by the scientific community.
At the time of his death, Duesberg remained one of the most cited examples of how scientific credibility can be undermined by persistent rejection of evidence. Public health experts have long warned that HIV denialism has real-world consequences, including delayed treatment, increased transmission, and preventable deaths. Today, HIV is medically manageable with early diagnosis and antiretroviral therapy, a fact reinforced by overwhelming clinical data.
Duesberg’s passing comes as misinformation continues to challenge public trust in science, particularly in health and medicine. His legacy is now largely defined by the damage caused when unsupported theories gain public platforms. As global health systems push evidence-based care and rapid response to disease, the contrast between modern HIV treatment success and denialist narratives remains stark and urgent.
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