The appointment of Brenda Pridgen as Baltimore City AIDS coordinator is a timely move. As acquired immunity deficiency syndrome spreads, it becomes more important that health-care providers avoid costly duplication of services.

Creation of this post was one of two key recommendations from the mayor's AIDS Coordinating Council. The other was appointment of a grant writer so the city can get its share of AIDS-related funds. That job also should be filled shortly.

In 1989, AIDS became the leading killer of Baltimore's young adults, surpassing homicides and heart disease. Since the AIDS virus has an average incubation period of 11 years, the mid-1990s are likely to see a dramatic rise in the number of people dying from it. Health departments in the metropolitan counties would be wise to follow the city's example and designate coordinators of their own.