A cross-sectional survey of women within the age range of 15-63 years was carried out between June and September, 1994 in Busia District. The purpose was to determine women's recognition and understanding of HIV/AIDS.A total of 333 women were orally interviewed by trained investigators using questionnaires.98.8% admitted having heard about AIDS while 1.2% had not; 78.1% had seen at least one or more AIDS patients. Although knowledge about causation of AIDS was extremely poor, 98.0% and 95.2% mentioned at least one correct mode of transmission of HIV and signs/symptoms, respectively. 78.1% had seen one or more patients of AIDS and majority (75.0%) said most of these patients belonged to the young (adolescents/middle) age groups. Most (98.8%) knew there is no cure drug for AIDS presently; however, 89.8% had heard about the condom, 77.5% had seen them. 74.7% knew HIV infection could be prevented or controlled by proper use of the condom.