It is now clear that the Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (Aids) is a major health problem affecting almost all countries of the world and particularly those in parts of sub-Saharan Africa1,2. Whilst medi cal technology has made possible enormous advances in the knowledge of the agent responsible, Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), it is clear that both a vaccine and an effective treatment are still years away3. The main avenues open for limiting the spread of the disease are, therefore, the screening of donated blood, and education. This article deals with the latter in the context of Africa, but the relevant epidemiological facts are outlined first since these must dictate the content of any educational programme.
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