ABSTRACT
The key to the future of the Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) epidemic in New York City lies in combating intravenous (IV) drug use. A maternal transmission study coordinated by the New York City Health Department is under way to determine the rate of transmission to babies from women at high risk for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, primarily IV drug users and sex partners of IV drug users. As youngsters reach the ages at which they begin experimenting with drug and sex behaviors that spread the virus, parents, teachers, and health authorities must offer them frank, explicit, and understandable AIDS education. The New York City experience shows that IV drug abuse is the most critical area for vigorous action to stop the further spread of HIV infection among addicts, women, and children. HIV infection in heterosexuals is primarily linked to IV drug users and to a lesser degree, bisexual men.
