The International AIDS Conference is taking place right now in Toronto. CNN was reporting this morning on all the exciting developments announced at this year’s gathering. But despite the conference being in its 16th year, some attending are still voicing some disturbing beliefs. The New Scientist Sharp Science blog reports on comments made by the South African health minister:

People should fight HIV using garlic, beetroot, lemons and the African potato rather than relying on drugs, advised Manto Tshabalala-Msimang. AIDS experts (of which there was obviously quite a gathering) were quick to denounce her comments, calling them “despicable”.

Very sad.