This paper describes why acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) is a global health problem and discusses special features of the virus and its infection. This disease's transmission and interaction with other diseases, along with 1986 statistics concerning AIDS, are presented in terms of selected continents and countries. The World Health Organization's (WHO) role in helping other countries develop their own educational materials and strategies for handling the disease are highlighted, along with this organization's efforts to provide technical and financial support to individual countries so that they are able to undertake national AIDS prevention programs. A question and answer section is included. (JHP)