This issue in the "Literacy Matters" looks at the relationship between literacy and HIV prevention education. It is the result of the UNESCO Institute for Lifelong Learning's work on examining the contribution of non-formal education (NFE) to HIV prevention, carried out in collaboration with the Association for the Development of Education in Africa (ADEA) Working Group on Non-formal Education. In partnership with governments, non-government organizations and universities, the Institute has been able to identify the wide range of NFE efforts to address not only HIV prevention but also HIV treatment and care. As the "poor relation" of the formal education sector, non-formal education initiatives are often not recognized and therefore remain marginalized despite their valuable contributions. This issue demonstrates how literacy (one of the key areas of non-formal education) is making a difference in HIV prevention through innovative approaches, where community participation and involvement of people living with HIV/AIDS are the main underlying program principles.