Crisis

Library Journal

Sex researchers Masters et al. found a higher rate of AIDS infection among sexually active heterosexuals than was expected. The research team concluded that the AIDS epidemic will grow beyond current predictions, that sexually active adults are not changing their lifestyles, and that the blood supply is not nearly HIV-free. They call for comprehensive AIDS educational and research programs; mandatory AIDS testing for most hospitalized adults, all pregnant women, marriage license applicants, and convicted prostitutes; and mandatory reporting of HIV infections, including contact tracing and notification. A controversial book, certain to be in demand. Panem (Alfred P. Sloan Foundation) studies the failure of government, the private sector, and the scientific community to respond adequately to the growing AIDS emergency, confirming the thesis of Randy Shilts in And the Band Played On: Politics, People and the AIDS Epidemic ( LJ 11/15/87). Panem calls for a united response to health crises, proposing a national ``novel health emergency'' plan for confronting new diseases and unforeseen epidemics. Exhaustively documented; recommended for subject collections.Judith Eannarino, George Washington Univ. Lib., Washington, D.C.