Implications of the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome for health policy

The acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) has spread rapidly through the high-risk population and has created fear and anxiety. The health policy implications of such a disorder are difficult to assess because the disease was totally unknown until a few years ago and because it occurs primarily in homosexual men and intravenous drug users. The latter factor has raised sociopolitical issues not present in other epidemics. Detection and surveillance systems, capabilities for prompt and effective scientific response, central coordination of scientific efforts, public information mechanisms, role definitions, and guidelines for funding are needed. The scientific community must study this epidemic and the total societal response to it with a view towards being better prepared in the future.