HIV/AIDS remain the most challenging global pandemic to date, having caused high morbidity and mortality around the world. According to the 2009 UNAIDS report, the number of people living with HIV/AIDS in 2008 was 33.4 million of which newly infected were 2.7 million, including 430,000 children under 15 years. Sub-Saharan Africa remains the most affected region by the global epidemic, accounting for 67% of the worldwide infections, 68% of new infections and 72% of the HIV-related deaths globally in 2008. The commonest mode of transmission of HIV in Sub-Saharan Africa is heterosexual, accounting for over 95% of the total HIV infections. Infection through injecting drug use is gaining significance in some parts of Africa, especially in the urban areas. Women continue to carry the biggest burden in terms of caring for the HIV infected individuals in the society as well as having higher HIV prevalence compared to male counterparts of the same age-group. For example in Tanzania, women of the age-group 15-24 are four times more likely to live with HIV than males of the same age.

Prevention programmes targeting heterosexual mode of transmission are critical for the HIV infection reduction in Sub-Saharan Africa. For this reason, ADEO’s efforts are placed on prevention among the youth, prevention mother to child and among the high risk groups like the commercial sex workers. The specific activities include; Testing and counseling, behavior change communication (peer education), PMTCT, Condom distribution, STD treatment and male circumcision. The support, care and treatment of the infected is also part of ADEO programmes. The care and treatment of the infected acts as part of prevention, gives hope and reduces stigma for HIV/AIDS.