Organizational approaches to the HIV/AIDS crisis

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has played a major role in controlling the HIV/AIDS epidemic in the United States. After implementation of perinatal zidovudine therapy in 1994, the efforts of the CDC and others produced a dramatic decline in perinatal HIV transmission. However, in recent years, approximately 300 perinatally infected infants have been born annually in the United States. To further reduce this number, the CDC has identified four prevention goals: improve prenatal care, recommend HIV testing, ensure treatment for HIV-infected pregnant women, and ensure follow-up care. To address these goals, the CDC launched a prevention plan consisting of surveillance, research, outreach strategies, grant programs, evaluation efforts, and policy development. Globally, the CDC tailors this plan to meet the needs of developing countries. The CDC provides technical assistance to international organizations to help develop, implement, and evaluate global prevention programs. Specific international sites are targeted for new research and programs to reduce perinatal HIV transmission.