With only five per cent of the world's population, the Southern African region is home to approximately 30 per cent of the world total of people living with HIV/AIDS. This pandemic continues to grow at a staggering rate, placing tremendous strain on already stretched health services and on the health professionals providing treatment and care, especially nurses and midwives who are usually the first point of contact for patients. This report highlights the work of some of the many thousands of nurses and midwives who are at the front line of HIV/AIDS care in the region. In doing so, it seeks to pay tribute to all nursing staff throughout the region who refuse to give up despite the huge challenges they face, and to share best practice to improve the quality of care and support for people living with HIV/AIDS.