Zombie Curse: A Doctor's 25-year Journey into the Heart of the AIDS Epidemic in Haiti

by Daniel Herlihy

This memoir of a dedicated doctor battling the AIDS epidemic in Haiti does more than chronicle the story of a horrible disease. It is a moving tribute to the abundant courage, resilience, and dignity of a people beset by tragedy.The Zombie Curse A Doctor's 25-Year Journey into the Heart of the AIDS Epidemic in Haiti Arthur M. Fournier, M.D., with Daniel Herlihy Dr. Art Fournier met his first AIDS patient on an autumn afternoon in 1979. Of course, neither Fournier nor his colleagues at Miami's Jackson Memorial Hospital fully understood the chilling impact of what they were seeing. They were simply confounded by the fact that the patient failed to respond to treatment and, ultimately, died. During the next several months scores of additional patients presented themselves with similar symptoms?and met the same fate. Beyond the medical similarities, there was another bond that grouped these patients together: they were all Haitian immigrants. The zombie curse had descended on south Florida. As the AIDS epidemic unfolded around the world, Dr. Fournier witnessed the chaos, confusion, and blame that was to become associated with this baffling disease. Nothing in his background, education, or training prepared him for the journey that lay ahead. The death and misery were devastating, the disease frustrating and mysterious, and the spiritual toll as catastrophic as the physical. It soon became apparent that science alone could not win this epic battle. We follow Dr. Fournier to Haiti where he searches for ways to treat patients with AIDS?not simply the physical symptoms, but also the stereotyping and blame heaped on both the victims and even the doctors that tend to them. In large measure it is the generous spirit of a proud people that move and motivate Fournier, ultimately releasing him from his own zombie curse. This memoir of a dedicated doctor battling the AIDS epidemic in Haiti does more than chronicle the story of a horrible disease. It is a moving tribute to the abundant courage, resilience, and dignity of a people beset by tragedy.

336 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2006

Reviews

[Kristin · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was good. It's no literary masterpiece but the message is good. I love hearing about the things Americans do for other countries in terms of medical advances and helping the poor but sometimes, I wonder, "Well, what about our own backyard? There are plenty of Americans without proper medical care, safe and healthy living conditions, and proper nutrition. What are we doing to help them?" Why is it such a great and wonderful thing when we read books and articles about all these great things that are happening in other countries but we cannot help our own neighbors? I'm sure most people would say "It's not my problem. They should be able to help themselves. There are plenty of resources." Well, isn't that true for people in other countries? They should be able to help themselves, right? I think I'm getting a little off track but I just feel like sometimes, we should put more effort into helping our own. They are no less deserving than others.

[Helene · Rating 3 out of 5]

This very inspiring book demonstrates that even apparently hopeless situations can improve when we dedicate ourselves to making that happen. It was especially interesting as many of the main characters are from Miami.

[Gail · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was nice to read about the beginnings of the organization in Haiti with which I am involved, and to simultaneously learn some history about the country of Haiti and the outbreak of the AIDS epidemic.

[Tess · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fascinating memoir, with wonderful observations of evolution of a career