These guidelines on preparing and implementing multi-sector HIV-AIDS programs are based on many lessons learned in Africa over the last three years and are designed as a generic operations manual (GOM) from which countries and implementing agencies can learn and adapt for their own use. There has been widespread consultation with relevant stakeholders in preparation of this manual and the responses have been taken into consideration in the final drafting. The GOM is meant as a “living document” to be updated continually on the basis of experience on the ground and to be used by anyone involved in HIV/AIDS programs who finds them useful.