Between 1985 and 1995, the annual death rate from HIV infection increased at a steady, albeit slowing, rate. In 1996 and again in 1997, however, there were large declines in the death rate, both for the total population and persons aged 25 through 44 years. This reversal in the trend is probably primarily due to the new medical treatments available to persons with AIDS/HIV infection, which have extended survival for some. It may also reflect the decline in incidence noted in Table C1. The year 2000 target was met by both groups in 1997.