Virality, desire and health assemblages: mapping (dis)continuities in the response to and management of HIV and COVID-19

Abstract

In this paper, we explore the relationship between “viral load” as a virological, immunological, epidemiological and social category and how it links the four decades-long global HIV pandemic to the ongoing response to COVID-19. We argue, metaphorically, that the response to SARS-CoV-2 contains 'genetic' material from HIV, which has (as a result of the digital age which reproduces error-filled data at incredible speed) mutated and is being transmitted into the social and political body. Using sexual health and substance use as focal points, we turn to Deleuzoguattarian theoretical insights about the assemblage of desire, affect and material factors that produce epidemics. Contrasting historical and contemporary scenes and issues, we explore the complex assemblage created by viral loads, medical and public health protocols, conceptions of risk, responsibility and fear that connect both pandemics. Finally, we consider the goal of viral eradication and related militaristic metaphors, alongside the increasing convergence of medicine, public health, the law and corporate interests, and contrast this with community responses that engage with what it means to be living and dying in viral times.

Keywords:

• HIV
• AIDS
• COVID-19
• new materialism
• viral
• pandemic

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

Adrian Guta is supported by a University of Windsor Humanities Research Group Fellowship, and Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada and Canadian Institutes of Health Research funding. Peter A. Newman is supported by International Development Research Centre under grant 109555 and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada under partnership grant 895-2019-1020.