PEDIATRIC AIDS

Mr. NATCHER. How much is included in the Public Health Service budget for various programs directed at pediatric AIDS patients in 1991, and how does this compare to spending on this problem in 1989 and 1990?

Dr. Mason, I have received probably more letters here than on any other point now as far as AIDS is concerned. I have had people talk to me more about it. We have had a number of outside witnesses right here in this category.

Where are we, Dr. Mason?

Dr. MASON. Pediatric AIDS is a very important area. We know that increasing numbers of babies and children are infected. As a result of that, in the 1990 budget, we have specifically targeted at pediatric AIDS a total of $125,531,000. In the 1991 budget there is $154,622,000. I am talking about monies that are specifically targeted for pediatric AIDS but I have to say all the other money, the $1,700,000,000, requested directly or indirectly, almost always has some effect upon pediatric AIDS.

When we do biomedical research, if we discover a vaccine or a cure, obviously, it is going to enhance the quality of life for babies and children. Such is also true in our surveillance and prevention activities and our education activities. There will be $154,622,000 specifically targeted where the direct effect is pediatric AIDS in the 1991 budget.

Mr. NATCHER. Dr. Mason, are there further steps that we should be taking in the area of pediatric AIDS other than what we are doing?

Dr. MASON. Yes there are. We need to enhance our activities in the field of making drugs available for babies and children. This is a little more difficult because of safety and research requirements. I think we can do better in getting drugs available sooner during the IND phase. I think we ought to be willing to give babies and children opportunities to receive these drugs under safe conditions.

I would say the therapeutic area is another area where we can do more. I want to report to you that our new Surgeon General, Dr. Antonia Novello, now that she has been confirmed, and Dr. Jim Allen will co-chair a new subcommittee in the Public Health Service on pediatric AIDS.

Their job is to identify every area where we should be taking more vigorous activity with regard to not only babies and children but women.

That is an area we want to concentrate on.

Mr. NATCHER. Mr. Conte, I will yield to you.

NATIONAL COMMISSION ON ORPHAN DISEASES

Mr. CONTE. Dr. Mason, you just signed off on the interim report on the National Commission on Orphan Diseases. It looks to me like just a two-page memo. Is this a sign of the low priority you are placing on orphan diseases? What is the status of the report?

Dr. MASON. It is not a sign of low priority on orphan disease or orphan drugs. I am personally authorizing the board to assist me in a review and help us to look carefully at a report from the Nation