We conducted a study of AIDS/STI prevention-related events based on a network of sentinel observers over a 35-month period in three rural communities of Senegal (May 2000 - March 2003). In one of these communities we also conducted a population-based study on self-reported prevention events and attitudes towards AIDS. Sentinel observers recorded 1 590 AIDS/STI prevention-related events. More than half of the reported events were radio programmes. The proportion of events on the occasion of which therapies was addressed increased significantly between 2000 and 2001; from less than 3 to about 10; while sharp decreases in the proportion of events dealing with condoms and STIs; both from around 25 to less than 15; were observed at the same time. The population-based survey indicated that men were more influenced by individual events like informal discussions or radio programmes while women seemed to be more influenced by collective events such as public meetings and school education