World Health Organization. (1988, August). AIDS Feedback. [Single page, self-contained data conveyors]. Presented at the III International Conference on AIDS, September 14-16, 1988, Arusha International Conference Center, Arusha, Tanzania.

For some time, the World Health Organization (WHO) wanted to present consolidated data on the AIDS crisis. Understandably, sensitivity and fear as to the use of such research impeded that goal. The development of the "AIDS Feedback" series is an important step in research and dissemination of data—an information base in the war against AIDS.

The report notes that the "single page modules MAY BE USED for reference, extraction, reproduction, sliding, teaching, publication, etc. without asking permission...[to] contribute to the acceleration of international diffusion of facts on the progressing AIDS pandemic."

Additionally, the information conveys, "...AIDS FEEDBACK Through the End of August has become available to hundreds of...NGOs, universities, governments, UN Agencies...World Bank, editors, etc." Comments, and requests can be directed to

Dr. R. P. Bernard, Director of Epidemiology in Human Reproduction                                  
Field Epidemiology and Liaison Office, 22 Av. Riant-Parc, 1209 Geneva, Switzerland

Within the report, critiques are offered. "The limitations of these (single-page module) graphs are of course known to all epidemiologists. Unfortunately they are not necessarily appreciated by laymen. Some caution must therefore be exercised in the interpretation of these graphs, and no firm conclusions can be drawn from them before considering artefactual variations in reporting between countries. However, despite the limitations of this form of data these illustrations provide an important insight into the geographical and temporal patterns of AIDS. They are to be welcomed as presenting a ready source of information about this condition, for us all."

DESIGN

• Public and private sectors are now cooperating worldwide in reporting new and cumulative cases of AIDS to WHO.
• The AIDS Feedback Series began in April 1988 and has received general domestic and international encouragement. Critique and suggestions are welcomed and continue to improve this international form of reporting.
• The Statistical AIDS World Map, introduced in May 1988, attained special appreciation and approval. "It now appears in two modes: (a) Cumulative Reporting Rates and (b) Incidence Rates—which now allow for a new bar chart (at least for the Pattern-I Industrial countries of N. America, W. Europe, Australia, New Zealand, and parts of Latin America) showing an overview of AIDS velocity."
• Bar charts split countries into those with population above and those below 5 million.
• "A major concern is to initiate as early as possible an information feedback on the increase of the AIDS pandemic. For countries who have reached an acceptable reporting quality and completeness, it should be possible to use the cross-sectional progression for the estimation of the AIDS build up...A...step forward was to introduce the ‘last report date’ as the time axis for the display of cumulative AIDS reporting status...I am particularly grateful for the incipient ‘private/public support’ formula now being worked out to secure continued development of this AIDS FEEDBACK Project."

FINDINGS

What follows is the ranking of 26 countries with 500 or more reported cases per 100,000 population as of mid-1987. Reported cases below are rounded to the nearest whole number.

These rankings bear at least two major limitations. Readers must keep in mind that the date and quality of reporting are crucial factors in comparing of AIDS cases among countries.

IMPLICATIONS

• It is with great relief that observers receive this beginning of public official information. It is hoped that the release of this information will calm fears of negative stereotypes or drastic reduction of tourism.
• This statistical world map suggests the possibilities of further study. As sensitive it might be, consideration of the factors for differences between neighboring Zaire and Congo, Zambia and Zimbabwe, or Tanzania and Madagascar may be helpful.
• The priorities of affected countries must be set autonomously, but there is ample room for international strategy, research, and cooperation. Governments must encourage education and caution their citizens.
• Many youth workers have long shirked responsibility for sex education. There is reason now for frank and deep discussion with approval from parents. The above information is important in writing articles and curriculum, and especially for teaching young people.