Female street prostitutes who are intravenous drug abusers (IVDAs) are main transmitters of AIDS. Though knowledgeable about and fearful of AIDS, these subjects had not changed their sexual or drug use behavior. Specifically, they did nothing to protect themselves or their customers from HIV infection by abstaining from heroin, by relying on disinfected and unshared injection equipment, or by requiring condom use. The addiction to heroin and need for drug money compelled them to continue prostitution while ignoring the risk of AIDS. AIDS-control initiatives, such as needle-exchange programs and expansion of street risk reduction education programs for IVDAs, should be targeted and implemented to these women. 43 references.