The committee responsible for this report held two public meetings where many persons concerned with various AIDS problems expressed their views. The committee also invited a large number of individuals from the scientific, health care, and public health communities to contribute their thoughts. Committee and staff members participated in a workshop to produce a plan for the prevention of AIDS and the control of the AIDS virus. This report provides the essential background information upon which the committee based its conclusions and recommendations as well as the recommendations themselves. The report suggests the most likely future course of the epidemic and discusses the uncertainties of such a projection. This includes a brief review of the resources that could be brought to bear on the problems the epidemic has generated. The measures now available to alter the course of the epidemic are identified. Other topics discussed include the implications of the epidemic's projections for the provision and financing of health care related to HIV infection and AIDS in the United States. After identifying research areas critical for devising better prevention and treatment means, the report examines the international aspects of HIV infection and AIDS as well as the U.S. contribution to solving these problems. Major recommendations focus on preventive public education and biomedical and social science research. Chapter references, appended supplementary information, glossary, and subject index.