The overall aim of this study was to ascertain African male and female expressed needs for health education programmes. A random sample of 599 adults (229 males and 370 females over 15 years of age) from an informal settlement area (Ivory Park, Gauteng) was interviewed. Out of the 599 respondents, 467 (78%) said that they had received health education, usually through the radio or at a clinic/hospital. Ninety three per cent stated that they would like to receive health education; 52 topics were mentioned. Responses were grouped into six categories: AIDS (32%); Specific Diseases (31%); Child Health (13%); Family Planning (12%); General Health (10%); and Other (2%). Gender and age group were not related to health education category. Doctors and nurses were the preferred presenters of health education at a hospital, clinic or community health centre, through a talk or TV/Video. It was concluded that: (1) there was a definite need for health education, with a focus on AIDS, tuberculosis, child health and family planning; (2) men wanted to be involved in health education programmes; and (3) innovative delivery options need to be developed.