This section contains background documents providing a broad view of the HIV/AIDS epidemic and CDC's role, activities, and prevention efforts. Click on HTML or PDF to view each document in either format. Once you open an HTML document, you will be able to navigate among all the HTML documents by clicking on the titles in the left-hand sidebar. You will need Acrobat Reader loaded on your computer to view PDF files. For help with Acrobat Reader, click on About Acrobat Reader in the sidebar.

Addressing the Global Epidemic: CDC's International Activities [HTML | PDF]

CDC is dedicated to prevention, care, and treatment both in the U.S. and world-wide; through collaborative efforts with groups in other countries, the epidemic, prevention, and treatments are monitored.

CDC's Role in HIV and AIDS Prevention [HTML | PDF]

CDC provides leadership in HIV and AIDS prevention on the local, national, and international levels, through research, monitoring, dissemination, and education.

Combating Complacency in HIV Prevention [HTML | PDF]

Good news about treatments and declining transmission rates can trigger complacency in some communities. However, complacency thwarts prevention efforts, which are still the best way to save lives and dollars.

Critical Need to Pay Attention to HIV Prevention for African Americans [HTML | PDF]

The disproportionate effect of HIV and AIDS on African Americans—more than any other racial or ethnic group—means CDC's prevention efforts must take into account cultural, social, and economic factors that affect minority communities.

Critical Need to Pay Attention to HIV Prevention for Women: Minority and Young Women Bear Greatest Burden [HTML | PDF]

AIDS cases among women have tripled in just over a decade, spreading fastest among minority women and prompting CDC to increase prevention efforts, focus on female-controlled methods, and make care accessible to all women.

Dangerous Intersection of Drug Use and Sexual HIV Transmission Points to Critical Need for Comprehensive HIV Prevention Among Drug Users [HTML | PDF]

Transmission through drug injection affects not just users but their sex partners, and the need for prevention efforts is compounded by a lack of drug treatment.

The Deadly Intersection Between TB and HIV [HTML | PDF]

TB is the leading cause of death among people with HIV—one-third of the increase in TB cases can be attributed to HIV—and its multidrug-resistant strain is a threat to every nation.

Impact of HIV/AIDS on Hispanics in the United States [HTML | PDF]

CDC targets Hispanic groups through funding for local health programs and community-based minority organizations.

Linking Science and Prevention Programs: The Need for Comprehensive Strategies [HTML | PDF]

Comprehensive efforts combine medical advances with persuasive prevention education for the most effectiveness.

Need for Sustained HIV Prevention Among Men Who Have Sex With Men: Young and Minority Men at Risk [HTML | PDF]

As the single most affected group by AIDS and HIV, men who have sex with men are in need of continued prevention efforts. The attitudes and behaviors of young men may not have changed as older men's have, and their high risk behavior continues.

Preventing Occupational HIV Transmission to Health Care Workers [HTML | PDF]

CDC aims to prevent occupational HIV transmission by preventing occupational transmission, promoting safety devices, and developing workplace guidelines.

Prevention and Treatment of Sexually Transmitted Diseases as an HIV Prevention Strategy [HTML | PDF]

Studies indicate that STD detection and treatment can substantially reduce HIV transmission.

Recent HIV/AIDS Treatment Advances and the Implications for Prevention [HTML | PDF]

Although wider use of treatment for AIDS-related illnesses has reduced the number of people who die from AIDS, the long term effectiveness and safety of the new combination therapies are not known, and the availability of effective medicines has reduced some individuals' prevention efforts.

Status of Perinatal HIV Prevention: U.S. Declines Continue; Hope for Extending Success to Developing World [HTML | PDF]

Mother-to-child HIV transmission has declined in the U.S., though HIV remains a problem for women and children; realistic prevention methods are ready for the developing world.

Young People at Risk: Epidemic Shifts Further Toward Young Women and Minorities [HTML | PDF]

Prevention efforts for youth must start in early adolescence and include school and community education; risk areas must be constantly re-evaluated, and risky behaviors must be stopped before they start.