[Final Program, International Conference on AIDS (4th: 1988: Stockholm, Sweden), Book 2]

4670 EURAIDS: A EUROPEAN COMPUTER NETWORK FOR
AIDS EPIDEMIOLOGY
AM Downs*/**, RA Ancelle Park*,
AJ Valleron**, JB Brunet*
* WHO Collaborating Centre on AIDS,Paris, France,
** U.R.B.B. (INSERM U263), Paris, France.
Objective. To facilitate the collection and distribution
of European AIDS surveillance data and to provide a
forum for the rapid exchange of up-to-date information
on all aspects of the epidemiology of AIDS.
Methods. Following discussions in the Epidemiology
subgroup of the European Communities Working Group on
AIDS, a computer network is being developed with the
above objectives. The network is implanted on a microVAX computer and is primarily designed for use with a
DIGITAL video terminal (VT100 or VT200 series). By using
suitable software, such a terminal can alternatively be
emulated on a micro-computer. Users within France can
access EURAIDS by the MINITEL system.
Results. A pilot version is already operational.
Facilities currently available include an electronic
mailing facility and two electronic bulletins (surveillance; trends and predictions) provided by the WHO
Collaborating Centre, Paris. Information to be viewed is
selected through a series of menus. Future facilities
are planned to allow the communication of surveillance
data from national correspondants to the Centre and the
sharing of information between members of the network.
Information has recently been circulated to all recipients of the Centre's printed quarterly report and many
have expressed interest. To date, users in France, The
United Kingdom, The Netherlands, F.R. Germany and Norway
are known to have made connections with the network.

4671 An Expert Advisory System for AIDS (EAS)
J. McMorran, S. McMorran, R. Gupta, R. Hurrion
R.D. Brittain.
Objective The development of a knowledge based system to
facilitate the exchange of information on AIDS, and
encourage the adoption of good working procedures by
health professionals
Methods The approach requires the availability of a
large information base on AIDS. This has been obtained
from published material and discussions with experts. A
multitude of organisations concemedwith different
aspects of AIDS have been consulted. These include
hospitals such as St. Stephen's (London), drug user
groups e.g. Turning Point, counselling services e.g.
STD clinics, Public health groups e.g. PHLS (UK),
epidemiologists e.g. CDSC (UK), helplines e.g. National
AIDS helpline, abstracting services e.g. London Bureau
of Hygiene, and education groups e.g. Health Education
Authority. Information is obtained by an Expert System
that interfaces on to the knowledge base. This enables
a correct match to be made between the users requirements and degree of proficiency in a particular area.
Results The EAS is still a prototype system. Evaluation
is currently based on trials at a school in London and
Warwick University, and feedback by consensus groups that
have agreed to develop the knowledge base. The fact that
the system is being used operationally and groups are
willing to take responsibility for it reflects provisional acceptance of the EAS.
Conclusion An EAS can disseminate expertise.

Notes:

4672
IMPLICATIONS OF CONTROL MEASURES FOR
THE SPREAD OF HIV INFECTION
Rudolfo A. Bulatao and Edward R. Bos
The World Bank, Washington, D.C.
The effects of changes in sexual
behavior and of medical interventions on
the spread of Human Immunodeficiency
Virus (HIV) infection are illustrated
using an epidemiological-demographic
model for transmission and progression of
the disease. Parameters were chosen for
the model to represent an African country
with a relatively high HIV seroprevalence, high fertility, and high mortality. Under specified assumptions, use
of condoms has the largest effect of the
interventions assessed. Reducing genital
ulcers, providing clean needles, and
cleaning the blood supply have minor
effects. Interventions have similar
impact regardless of HIV seroprevalence
level and level of sexual activity.

4673 TEACHING ABOUT THE AIDS EPIDEMIC IN
SCHOOLS USING MICROCOMPUTERS
Jose J Gonzalez*, M Myrtveit**,
L Vavik***
*AID, N-4890 Grimstad, **ACOS, N-5120 Manger,
***Stord College of Education, N-5414 Rommetveit, Norway.
Objective. To inform and educate about the AIDS
epidemic using the power and the appeal of
microcomputers.
Methods. Young people need education about the
AIDS epidemic as individuals and members of
society. By giving appropiate information, one
can take advantage of the self-interest of
individuals and of their social responsibility,
in this way inducing behaviour changes to avoid
getting infected and endangering other people.
In order to participate in the fight against
AIDS as members of society, people must have a
good understanding of the nature of the epidemiological problem.
Our program aims at inducing behaviour changes
and rising the level of knowledge about the
status of the AIDS epidemic in all countries.
Results. The computer program consists of three
modules: I) MAP: A geographical database of the
AIDS epidemic in all continents. II) MODEL:
Simulation models of different epidemics,
including AIDS. III) DISCO: Simulation of risk
situations with presentation of the connection
between behaviour and consequences.
Conclusion. Microcomputer presentations of the
AIDS epidemic have a great potential which
deserves careful consideration.

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