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A I D <br /> <br /> At the beginning of the AIDS epidemic many <br />Americans had little sympathy for people with AIDS. <br />The feeling was that somehow people from certain <br />groups "deserved" their illness. Let us put those <br />feelings behind us. We are fighting a disease, not <br />people. Those who are already' attlicted are sick <br />people and need our care as do all sick patients. <br />The country must lice this epidemic as a unified <br />society. We must prevent the spread of AIDS while at <br />the same time preserving our humanity and intimacy. <br /> AIDS is a life-threatening disease and a maior pub- <br />lic health issue. Its impact on our society is and will <br />continue to be devastating. By the end of 1991, an <br />estimated 270,000 cases of AIDS will have occurred <br />with 179,000 deaths within the decade since the <br />disease was ih'st recognized. In the year 1991, an <br />estimated 145,000 patients with AIDS will need health <br />and supportive services at a total cost of between $8 <br />and $16 billion. However, AIDS is preventable. It can <br />be controlled by changes in personal behavior. It is <br />the responsibility of every citizen to be informed <br />about AIDS and to exercise the appropriate preven- <br />tive measures. This report will tellyou how. <br /> The spread of AIDS can and must be stopped. <br /> <br />C. Everett Koop, M.D., Sc.D. <br />Surgeon General <br /> <br />I <br />I <br />! <br />i, <br />! <br />I <br />! <br />I <br />I <br /> I <br /> i <br /> <br /> ! <br />i' <br /> I <br /> I <br /> <br /> <br />