The growth of human immunodeficiency virus type-1 (HIV) infection among women in the USA has been coincident with an international momentum to better address the specific health care needs of women. This paper provides an overview of a demonstration model for comprehensive HIV care of adolescent and adult women in an academic setting. The paper contains a descriptive summary of a university-based demonstration model of comprehensive care for women with HIV infection. During 1997-1998, there were 279 urban and rural Midwest adolescent and adult women with HIV infection in care at this model programme. Medical care encompassed subspecialty HIV care, obstetrical and gynaecological care, primary care of non-HIV comorbidities, mental health assessments and family planning in a safe, university-based environment. For 279 women during the two-year period, health services included the detection and treatment of sexually transmitted diseases (56%) and cervical dysplasia (35%), perinatal care (12%) and screening and referral for substance abuse treatment (30%). There was no mother-to-child HIV transmission among 33 pregnant women enrolled in the Center prior to delivery, and transmission by three of nine women enrolled after delivery. Only 167 (60%) women were compliant with biannual medical visits during 1997-1998. Integral to the health services delivery was the provision of ancillary support services intended to enhance optimal medical care for this cohort of women. This university-based model of care also incorporated HIV provider training and formative HIV research. Structured medical and public health experiential learning opportunities occurred for medical and social work students, medicine residents, infectious diseases fellows, nurses and other professional health care workers. Clinical investigations of adolescent and adult women have complemented care and training, with funded research in HIV medication adherence and health services research. In follow-up, 71% of these women remained active in care in 1999. Retention of vulnerable populations in care may be a big challenge over the next decade, despite the availability of potent antiretroviral therapies.