5th International AIDS Conference Montreal, Quebec, Canada — Jun 4-9, 1989

Int Conf AIDS 1989 Jun 4-9; 5:161 (abstract no. A.506)
Daniell FD, Skelly R, Sanderson R, Novak D, Cunnion S; Navy Environmental and Preventive Medicine Unit, Naples, Italy

OBJECTIVE: To expand public health capabilities against the HIV epidemic, a networking of existing U.S. Navy preventive medicine programs and approaches was initiated during 1988, utilizing an STD model.

METHODS: International networking involves utilization of services provided at a medical center caring for HIV-infected persons, which include specialized counseling and education for HIV-infected persons and their families; evaluation of sexual contacts including spouses and public health partner notification; tracing of involved blood products; screening of high risk populations; and determination of reportable diseases. The Environmental and Preventive Medicine Unit provides guidance on comprehensive public health policy and appropriate procedures; education and training; and consultations related to international sexual partners or blood product cases, throughout Europe, Africa and the Middle East.

RESULTS: This network has collaborated with public health professionals in 40 of the 50 United States and 3 territories, 10 countries and the American Red Cross; in support of the World Health Organization's global strategy. Analysis of HIV and AIDS awareness in the evaluated populations has determined both a very high level of knowledge of potential transmission factors, and a need for additional education related to other aspects of the disease. Analysis of trends of potential transmission factors in over 550 HIV-positive individuals has documented a statistically significant increase in the reporting of blood donations and the history of a spouse, in 1988 as compared to 1987.

CONCLUSION: The use of an STD model and modification of existing public health procedures and approaches have allowed this network to implement a comprehensive international program in less than 12 months. Initial data indicate that education programs are of assistance in obtaining information leading to evaluations of individuals determined to have been at possible risk for transmission.

890604
A506

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