A brief overview of AIDS notes the characteristics of HIV infection, transmission methods, and basic means of prevention. The challenges that HIV presents are exacerbated in a correctional setting because HIV infection rates are higher among the socially and economically disadvantaged, inmates have fewer preventive measures available to them, and inmates' access to information and medical care may be limited. Correctional Service of Canada's Health Services branch is seeking assistance from special committees as well as community-based AIDS support agencies. Education of all staff and inmates is the Correctional Service's best line of defense against HIV transmission. Specific preventive measures that have been taken include providing condoms to all Federally sentenced men, implementing a wider range of substance abuse services, providing safe tattooing and ear piercing equipment, and offering HIV-antibody testing on a voluntary basis at all penitentiaries.