This paper reviews the current world situation with regard to HIV/AIDS and education, outlining the elements needed for a comprehensive strategy for action and detailing the World Bank's role within the overall education sector in the fight against the epidemic. It aims at setting promising directions for such responsiveness, as revealed by a review of country experience to date: based on strategic planning in pursuit of educational goals, school-based prevention programs and health education focused on resources for effective school health (in partnership with the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization, World Health Organization, the United Nations Children's Fund, and the Bank. The broad principles of the Bank's support for education underlie the need to assess the impact of the epidemic against educational systems, to mobilize resources, reinforced by government commitments for sharing knowledge, and building capacity within strategic partnerships.