The importance of HIV/AIDS control practices varies amongst the diverse countries of Sub-Saharan Africa. 

In general, education, promotion of (male) condom use and of sexual abstinence among unmarried people have been the modus operandi. Some countries are also addressing the psychosocial impact of the disease. However, efforts have been generally inadequate. In many cases, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) are leading HIV/AIDS control endeavors. While this is fine in the short run, Africa and its communities will need to assume responsibility and leadership in the future.

To address this issue, NGOs and governments are trying to “scale-up” HIV/AIDS intervention programs. Some of the main goals are to broaden outreach programs, improve training, reduce staff turnover, pool resources and create an environment that facilitates scaling-up of prevention efforts.

However, the work of NGOs may sometimes undermine the public health system. Skilled health care workers are leaving the public health sector in favor of much fairer remuneration practices associated with the NGO sector. The end result is an internal “brain drain” of human resources.
At the national level, HIV/AIDS is regarded as an uncontrolled epidemic. In a few cases, for example Uganda, results have been encouraging.

These are the exception rather than the rule. Control efforts are often hindered by lack of resources, political turmoil, violence, and focusing on other priorities. The role of multilateral lending agencies in destabilizing African economy is also important.

Community involvement is the key to the sustaining of HIV/AIDS programs. It facilitates broadening of activities, draws attention to affected groups and enhances services. Community members are often willing to invest their own resources, including money, labor, time, and materials, into HIV/AIDS related activities. Though interventions involving community members are more likely to be effective and sustainable, mobilizing the community is a challenge.