Integrated AIDS management

AIDS is a multi-disciplinary problem, but also a multi-disciplinary opportunity, given the capacity of individuals, groups and organizations to integrate talents and resources. The impact of AIDS in east, southern and central Africa is discussed in general terms to answer the question. "Why integrate?" Ways in which integration is expressed are discussed, including integration within the definition of AIDS management, integration within programs, and between team members, between the community and the hospital, and from field programs to Ministries of Health, donor organizations and the World Health Organization. Issues in integration at the field level, including management models, the concept of teams, and consensus on major goals, are discussed, and comment is made on the key integrative theme of families and communities.