Although different in nature, HIV/AIDS and the noncommunicable diseases have many issues in common: the importance of rapid screening, the high cost of treatment, patients' treatment adherence, and the challenge of integrating services in basic health facilities, especially in the South. Several lessons can be drawn today from the fight against AIDS (about community involvement, the organization of research, free treatment, and the mobilization of funding) that can nourish strategic thinking for the fight against noncommunicable diseases.
Keywords: AIDS; international health; noncommunicable diseases; public policies.