AIDS is of special concern to developing countries with their limited and stressed health care systems and the other serious health problems of their populations. In addition, as AIDS usually strikes young and productive people, it can threaten a country's hope for the future. The Surgeon General has challenged the United Nations to make the world's blood supply safe by 1991. The technology and resources are available to realize this goal, and WHO, in collaboration with Red Cross/Red Crescent Societies, the International Society for Blood Transfusions, and the United Nations Development Program, is now establishing a consortium to launch the global safe-blood initiative. In addition, WHO coordinates and directs the global AIDS strategy and encourages countries to move from denial of the problem to active intervention. The WHO effort has led to the establishment of AIDS committees in 151 countries, staff visits to 110 countries, 250 consultant missions, preparation of 70 short-term and 25 medium-term plans for national AIDS control programs, workshops and national donor meetings, and briefing sessions for 150 consultants from 30 countries. In addition, WHO funding totalling $11.3 million has been obligated, and $7.6 million were earmarked for national program support in 1987. Guidelines also have been developed for policy and program planning, and a collection of informational and educational materials has been compiled. (Author abstract modified)