The process for the formulation of this Strategic Plan against STIs/HIV/AIDS for 2000 - 2002 began in July 1998 with a seminar that involved ministerial representatives, NGOs, churches and private and public corporations. Having identified points of contact in the different sectors mentioned above, three other meetings were conducted. This meeting was the last step in this multi-sectorial and multi-disciplinary involvement. Its objective was to reach a consensus on what needs to be done at the national level given the current situation and what responses should be implemented by society given the spread of the epidemic.