Despite such alarming numbers, the federal and state governments have been slow in implementing programs to stop the spread of AIDS. (Para.3)
Meaning: Although the number of people infected with AIDS is very large and surprising, the federal and state governments haven't taken actions in time to carry out the programs to stop the spread of AIDS.
alarm: n. sudden fear or worry; v. cause sudden fear and worry
Everybody was alarmed at the news that a war might break out.大家聽到戰爭可能爆發的消息都很驚慌。
Small earthquakes are so common here that people don't feel very alarmed at
them.這個地方小地震很常見，大家對地震都不感到驚慌。
be slow in: do sth. slowly
The man is getting on in years and he is slow to respond. 那男人老了，反應慢了。
implement: vt. put into practice
The government is implementing its program of helping the poor. 政府在實施扶貧政策。
Money is needed to implement our child-care programs. 要實施兒童保健項目，需要資金。