State‑level Health Denialism Kills

When political leaders adopt and institutionalize health denialism—rejecting scientific consensus, elevating ideology or scapegoating pharma—government policy can block effective interventions (e.g., antiretroviral rollouts), producing large, preventable mortality waves. The danger is not only isolated misinformation but the authoritative closure of policy channels that would otherwise correct error. — Framing high‑level rejection of medical science as a distinct governance failure clarifies accountability, helps target legal and international remedies, and guides media and NGOs on early warning signs to prevent mass harm.