This Summit, organized jointly by the World Health Organization and the United Kingdom Government, brought together ministers of health and other experts from over 140 countries to exchange experiences and describe their efforts to combat AIDS. The presentations contained in this volume cover a broad range of topics including the epidemiology of AIDS, the current global status of the disease and possible future trends, transmission of HIV, and special features of AIDS prevention and control programmes around the world. The central theme of this World Summit is the role of public education in the fight against AIDS. With tried and trusted vaccines and cures unlikely for a number of years, educating the public currently represents the best chance of containing the spread of the disease. The London Declaration, which was adopted unanimously at the Summit, highlights the need to broaden the scope of information programmes, strengthen the exchange of information and experience among countries, and encourage throughout the world social tolerance for persons infected with HIV and with AIDS.