Human immunodeficiency virus infection/AIDS in children : the next decade

The next decade of HIV/AIDS must resolve critical issues. It will be necessary to probe deeply to examine what is currently known, identify what needs to be known, and find ways to solve the issues that must be confronted. How to best achieve solutions in a timely manner must also be determined. Seven priorities of major importance have been identified. There are others, and there will be new ones. Each issue is complex, but each one must be faced with the hope that solutions will be found. After 10 years, HIV infection is at risk of becoming institutionalized, bringing with it an acceptance of the issues as inherent to the disease. Patients look to the medical profession and scientific community to provide hope. But there are also significant educational, psychological, social, and public health issues that must be resolved. The first decade of AIDS consisted of recognition, diagnosis, and early treatment. If hope is to be brought to our children and their parents, the next decade must consist of the prevention and therapeutic control of HIV and its complications.