Venereal disease control by health departments in the past: lessons for the present.

Abstract

Programs of venereal disease (VD) control developed from the outset of World War I, through the 1930s and then World War II and its aftermath, are examined for their relevance to the problems posed today by AIDS. In light of past experience, "control" of AIDS, not eradication, is the most that can be expected from the public and health community reaction of increased federal funding in support of research and treatment, promotion of self-protective sexual behavior, and the attempt by public health professionals to approach the problem as one of health and related economic costs, rather than to assume a judgmental attitude. The involvement of all levels of government; the community at large; and the medical, educational, industrial, and social work sectors is essential for the success of a public health program which not only integrates new medical discoveries but also responds to the panicky reactions of the public and some health professionals to the AIDS patient.