This review looks at communication activities around HIV prevention in 11 countires in South and East Africa operating in 2006 at a national level. It considers the variations in HIV epidemiology between countries, and the heterogeneity within them, and examines the different approaches to communication that are used. The country summaries include a synopsis of the epidemiology, indicators of knowledge, behaviour and service uptake and information about HIV and AIDS prevention communication, activities, approaches and funding