This publication focusing on the key lessons from the Support to the International Partnership against AIDS in Africa (SIPAA) programme implemented between 2001 and 2005 in nine African countries, could not have come out at a better time. Though it is not an evaluation report, it tells the story of good practice from which readers will learn much about the programme. On the African continent there are numerous interventions and innovative methods being applied. Unfortunately many of these activities are barely documented, giving the impression that nothing significant is taking place.