HHS Press Release - June 10, 1993
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

The new 1993 report was released to the press at the Ninth International Conference on AIDS in Berlin. It replaces the first Surgeon General's Report on AIDS, which was issued by then-Surgeon General C. Everett Koop, M.D., at the end of 1986.

"We know a lot more about HIV today, as this report shows," Dr. Novello said. "People with HIV and AIDS are living longer, more productive lives because of new therapies. But unfortunately, more and more young people are getting infected. Advice for reducing the risk of HIV infection is the same: Don't inject drugs and do not engage in high-risk sexual activity. As the report says, the surest way to protect yourself against HIV infection and STDs is not to have sex at all, or to have sex only with one steady, uninfected partner."

Like the 1986 report, the new one emphasizes that sexually active people should take care to use latex condoms, which are highly effective in preventing transmission of HIV infection and other sexually transmitted diseases when used correctly and consistently. The new report warns that oil-based lubricants such as petroleum jelly can weaken condoms, and notes that birth control pills and other contraceptives do not protect against HIV infection and other sexually transmitted diseases.

New topics in the report just released include:

* The impact of AIDS on adolescents. Nineteen percent of persons diagnosed with AIDS are in their 20s, which means that they could have become infected while they were teenagers.

* The greater impact of AIDS on some minorities.

* The increase in HIV infection among women -- who now comprise 11 percent of all AIDS cases -- and their AIDS symptoms.

* The more than 4,000 children reported to have AIDS, and the many more uninfected children being orphaned by the deaths of their infected parents.

* New treatments for HIV and opportunistic infections which have lengthened the productive lives of persons living with HIV and AIDS.

* Changes in the Food and Drug Administration's drug testing and approval systems to make drugs available sooner.

* Possible vaccines -- preventive and therapeutic.

* Other sexually transmitted diseases as factors in increasing susceptibility to HIV infection.

* Non-injected drugs such as crack cocaine as a factor in HIV infection when they result in unprotected sex.

* Steps taken to eliminate or reduce HIV risks from blood transfusions, organ and tissue transplants and artificial insemination.

* The increased risk of tuberculosis in HIV-infected people.

* Sports and HIV risk.

* The role of shared needles and syringes in HIV infection among intravenous drug users.

* The impact of discrimination against HIV-infected persons as a factor promoting the spread of HIV.

* The role of the family in HIV education.

* The necessity of open discussion of sexual issues and both personal and community action to prevent the spread of HIV.

* The value of early detection and treatment of HIV infection.

* More information on living with HIV and AIDS.

Dr. Novello said, "This report provides the most accurate information available to empower individuals to take responsibility for their health. It is the culmination of all the time and energy I have invested during my time as Surgeon General in educating Americans about HIV/AIDS -- not just what it is and how to avoid getting it, but what to do if you become infected, and why it is important to show compassion for those who have the disease.

We must fight the epidemic of ignorance and misunderstanding just as surely as we must fight the continuing spread of this virus."

The report will be available in English and in Spanish from the National AIDS Hotline. Telephone 1-800-342-AIDS, Deaf Access 1-800-243-7889 (TTY), Spanish 1-800-344-7432. Press copies are available at 202-690-6867. The full text of the report will be available for downloading electronically from the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health Bulletin Board System (OASH BBS) 202-690-5423.