This Code provides a shared vision of principles related to HIV/AIDS, for good practice in programming and advocacy that can guide NGOs' work, and to which NGOs can commit and be held accountable. The principles described in the document are grouped into three categories:

- Guiding Principles
- Organisational Principles
- Programming Principles.

Drawing on the knowledge and experience gained over the past 20 years, the document is intended for all NGOs working with HIV/AIDS.