In September 1987, a task force met to review and prepare recommendations on the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) training needs within the public health field. Representatives on the task force included public health leaders from academia, state agencies, city and local health departments, public health associations, and individuals with extensive experience in the area of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS). The group concluded that extraordinarily high unmet training needs exist among public health professionals, both in schools of public health and in the field. Identified needs included monitoring the epidemic, setting local policy, and coordinating the delivery of public education and services to those at highest risk. These roles require appropriate training of health department staff in the areas of AIDS education; the design of culturally sensitive interventions; interpretation of data concerning the epidemic; and the development of policy and planning strategies for addressing the future course of the epidemic. The task force submitted 31 recommendations for increased training in the following areas: (1) state and local health departments; (2) community-based providers and organizations; (3) schools of public health; and (4) government and legislative initiatives. (KC)