This paper presents an authoritative overview of the relationship between HIV/AIDS and the education sector. Set against the backcloth of international commitments, actions and targets, it looks at what is know about the impact of HIV/AIDS on education. It examines the use of educational settings to promote understanding, attitudes and behavours to limit the risk of infection. It also examines the use of education to promote respect, care and support for those infected and affected by the epidemic. It sets forth the policy questions that must be addressed in order to respond to new and rapidly emerging needs. And, while recognizing a very wide diversity of situations, it outlines the priorities that every policy-maker will have to face in formulation concrete actions for success.