In contrast to prevention outreach, which focuses on educating those who are HIV-negative, early intervention seeks out those that are HIV+ so that they can be given information about the benefits of treatment and entered into a system of care.

(Of a drug or treatment) The maximum ability of a drug or treatment to produce a result regardless of dosage. A drug passes efficacy trials if it is effective at the dose tested and against the illness for which it is prescribed. In the procedure mandated by the FDA, Phase II clinical trials gauge efficacy and Phase III trials confirm it.

Pertaining to diseases associated with particular locales or population groups.

A disease that spreads rapidly through a demographic segment of the human population, such as everyone in a given geographic area; a military base, or similar population unit; or everyone of a certain age or sex, such as the children or women of a region. Epidemic diseases can be spread from person to person.

The branch of medical science that studies the incidence, distribution and control of disease in a population.