The CFAR Epidemiology program is one of the newest area of emphasis within the Center. Its explicit goal is to build the infectious disease and epidemiology expertise within the Center and the University. Its major focus is to spearhead the study of patterns, trends, and origins of HIV infection and disease within its biomedical and socio-cultural context. The major priorities are to investigate the mechanisms of host resistance including mucosal resistance and to implement prevention programs particularly among adolescents.