Surveillance for AIDS and HIV infection among black and Hispanic children and women of childbearing age, 1981-1989.

Surveillance systems indicate that the most documented human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) cases among children and women of childbearing age in the United States occur among black and Hispanic populations. Intravenous-drug use (IVDU) is the presumptive origin of HIV infection for most of these cases, through direct IVDU, sexual contact with an intravenous (IV)-drug user, or birth to women with either mode of exposure. These data confirm the need for HIV-prevention programs directed to the racial, ethnic, age, and reproductive concerns of black and Hispanic women of childbearing age and their children. Services should be available for those who are HIV infected, as well as for those who are not infected with HIV, to prevent the further spread of HIV. Services for prevention and treatment of drug abuse are an integral part of HIV prevention and treatment for these groups.