AIDS is now spreading more rapidly among women than among men, according to James W. Curran, director of the AIDS program at the federal Centers for Disease Control. Last year, cases of AIDS among women increased by 29 percent, according to the CDC, while those among men rose by 18 percent. Half of the cases among women were attributed to intravenous drug use, while 20 percent were linked to heterosexual contact with male drug users.

D.C. officials said these numbers do not reflect the magnitude of the problem, because AIDS cases are underreported. "We are finding that women die of HIV-related illnesses before ever being diagnosed with AIDS," said Adora Lee, director of the District's Office of AIDS Activities.

In addition, the National Institute on Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) last month approved a research section within the agency's office on clinical trials that will focus only on AIDS and women. And the National Commission on Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome plans to hold hearings on women and AIDS next spring.