Worldwide Strategies for HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) Control: WHO's (World Health Organization) Special program on AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome)

• NCJ Number: 109874
• Journal: Law, Medicine, and Health Care Volume: 14 Issue: 5-6 Dated: (December 1986) Pages: 290-297
• Author(s): J Mann
• Date Published: 1986
• Length: 8 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Legislation/Policy Description
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This article describes the evolution of a global perspective and response to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), reviews the current international epidemiological situation, explores the principal elements of the World Health Organization's (WHO's) global strategy for HIV control, and discusses the major global approaches to HIV prevention.

Abstract

From WHO's first official involvement with acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) in 1983 to the World Health Assembly in 1986, a consensus has developed among member states, expert groups, collaborating centers, and within WHO regarding the international scope of the AIDS problem and the central role of WHO in global AIDS control. As of April 1, 1987, 45,700 AIDS cases had been reported to WHO from 102 countries; 29 additional countries reported no cases. Methods of HIV transmission are apparently similar throughout the world: sexual, parenteral, and perinatal. WHO believes that the potential for primary prevention at this stage of the AIDS pandemic should spur an unprecedented national and international expenditure of resources. In addition to being involved in information exchanges and research, WHO cooperates with member states in developing their own national programs for prevention and control. A global prevention strategy is focusing on means of preventing sexual transmission, parenteral transmission, and perinatal transmission. 41 references.