PIP: More than 80% of cases of HIV infection in Africa are attributed to heterosexual transmission, and most prevention efforts have focused upon checking the sexual spread of HIV. A range of interventions have been implemented over the past 10-15 years in different countries throughout the continent. The nature of the activities depends upon the stage of the epidemic, the target population, the funding level, the level of policy support, donor interests, and the capabilities of implementing agencies in the public and private sectors. Despite reports of some encouraging results, the epidemic remains powerful, dynamic, and spreading. Slowing the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Africa will probably require comprehensive, integrated, and multisectoral programs. Most programs to date, however, intervene almost exclusively at the individual level. The authors describe the evolution of intervention programs to prevent the sexual transmission of HIV in sub-Saharan Africa, discuss lessons learned from programs, and identify gaps in the existing knowledge. Sections review interventions to prevent the sexual transmission of HIV, STD treatment, promoting condoms and making them more available, and behavior change interventions.