In April 2000 the Association for the Development of Education in Africa (ADEA) initiated an exercise aimed at identifying effective responses by education systems to the effects of HIV/AIDS on the education structures of countries in sub-Saharan Africa.

As the HIV/AIDS pandemic in sub-Saharan Africa grows in scope and intensity, the situation of children has become more precarious. Advances in the well-being of children in terms of social welfare and health, achieved over several decades, are being compromised.

This document is a synopsis of information available on pilot projects initiated jointly by WHO and UNESCO. The document provides a justification and the rationale for education on AIDS at school. It looks at the formulation and design of projects.