Across Africa, people in whom significant resources have been invested are dying prematurely from AIDS that continues to pose serious challenges to the ability of African States to maintain efficient public institutions and deliver sound policies and promote the rule of law. HIV infection patterns are continually changing; economic realities are making treatment adherence difficult and resistance to current drugs are beginning to emerge. These challenges can be faced and surmounted through better appreciation of the country-specific epidemic, use of better data for national response good governance and stronger political commitments at all levels of society. Therefore, comprehensive and enhanced response to AIDS must be at the centre of development strategies. This retrospective report presents key messages and policy recommendations formulated with a crucial role of the views of people affected and infected by AIDS.