ABSTRACT
The HIV/AIDS epidemic continues. It has been estimated by the World Health Organization that as of mid-1994, there are over 17 million cases of HIV infection worldwide (Merson, 1994). In North America, Europe and Oceania, HIV was initially introduced to the population of gay and bisexual men which has remained the predominantly vulnerable group in these areas. Although in the early years of the epidemic injecting drug use was the main risk factor for women in the developed world, transmission by heterosexual intercourse is increasing in these countries. In the United States, more than 30 000 women have developed AIDS, which is now the fifth leading cause of death in American women (Centers for Disease Control, 1991). In the developing world, HIV first appeared in the heterosexual population with similar numbers of men and women infected. It is estimated that approximately 50 per cent of the 10 million cases of HIV in sub-Saharan Africa have occurred in women, with the highest percentage in their childbearing years (Merson, 1994). Worldwide, heterosexual transmission accounts for about 75 per cent of all HIV infections.
