An overview of the origin and spread of the AIDS virus forecasts that the cumulative number of AIDS cases in Canada will total between 6,000 and 11,000 by 1992. Analyses of these statistics' implications for Canadians concludes that attention must focus on caring for the sick as well as controlling AIDS transmission. The book examines dilemmas associated with testing as well as social, ethical, and legal problems posed by AIDS. Cost estimates for care and treatment of persons with AIDS are presented. The author notes that while such estimates are based on scarce data and depend on many factors, it is certain that costs will be high. A discussion of strategies to contain the AIDS epidemic focuses on public education programs and their impact as reflected in polls, condoms, and targeting special groups such as intravenous drug users. The final chapter makes proposals not only for new directions in AIDS research, but also for what ordinary Canadians can do to help meet the AIDS challenge. An AIDS fact sheet and the Royal Society of Canada's recommendations regarding AIDS are appended.