AIDS Update Worthwhile Family Viewing

Tonight’s ABC special, “Sex, Drugs and Consequences,” begins with a “parental discretion” advisory, but there’s nothing discreet about a disease that is reportedly infecting 7,000 people daily worldwide. Parents will be doing kids a favor if they make this AIDS update family viewing and a springboard for further discussion.

Although the team coverage aspect is labored--Barbara Walters, news correspondents Robert Krulwich and Michel McQueen, sports commentator Dan Dierdorf and token celebrity Morgan Fairchild engage in earnest conversation around a restaurant table--and although a doctor’s accidental exposure to the disease is an occasion for contrived suspense as we wait to be told the results of his AIDS test, this personal, scientific and medical mosaic makes an impact.

Adults, children and teens living with HIV and AIDS are shown; so are remarkably dedicated, emotionally overburdened AIDS doctors, committed researchers and AIDS educators. Medical advances are eye-opening and hopeful, but viewers are not allowed to be lulled into thinking a cure is near enough to excuse irresponsible behavior.

With the number of those infected continuing to increase, and with alarming new, stronger strains from other countries “knocking on our door,” experts warn that, while condoms, abstinence and clean needles can help, only an AIDS vaccine is the answer. This dire warning is coupled with the point that AIDS vaccine research funding is at present just a tiny fraction of the billions required to treat those infected.

Hitting home in a visceral way, however, are the inspired public service announcements that punctuate the hour--they run with the Centers for Disease Control National AIDS hotline, (800) 342-AIDS. One memorable, double-take spot features controversial doctor Jack Kevorkian.

One of Krulwich’s reports, using computer animation and actual film to show an AIDS virus’ attack on a healthy T-cell, packs a powerful punch, too. It’s a chilling, real-life sci-fi horror story.

This is the fifth in a series of annual AIDS specials--the series’ former title was “In a New Light.” It isn’t perfect, but it makes its point. You won’t forget it when the show’s over.

* “Sex, Drugs and Controversy” airs at 8 tonight on ABC (Channels 7, 3).