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EMBARGOED FOR RELEASE December 9, 1999 Statement from Helene Gayle, M.D., M.P.H. Today, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention published guidelines on national HIV
surveillance to assist states in the design and implementation of effective systems to monitor
the course of their local epidemics. We have entered an era in which HIV prevention needs are
greater than ever before, and accurate data about where new HIV infections are occurring are
critical to ensure scarce HIV prevention programs are directed where they can do the most
good.
Since the beginning of the epidemic, CDC has used AIDS cases to monitor the course of HIV
and AIDS. In the wake of treatment advances, which have slowed the progression from HIV to
AIDS for many individuals, data on AIDS cases alone are no longer reflective of new HIV
infections. Although data on AIDS cases will continue to be important in evaluating access to
care and in identifying changes in disease trends, they can no longer be reliably used alone
to direct prevention efforts.
Data that clearly identify the leading edge of the epidemic are urgently needed. We believe
publishing these Guidelines for National HIV Surveillance is a significant step
forward in preventing and controlling HIV in the United States. The Guidelines advise
state health departments on the best practices to ensure both the confidentiality and quality
of HIV data. At the same time, CDC's policy allows flexibility for states to choose the method
of HIV reporting they deem most appropriate for their needs. We believe these guidelines will
ultimately help state and local communities better target their efforts to reach individuals
in greatest need with HIV prevention, treatment, and care.
# # #
See also: CDC Guidelines for Improved Data on U.S. HIV
Epidemic
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