Africa Consultants International (ACI) is an American non-governmental organization created in 1984, with its main facilities in Dakar, Senegal. ACI is a leading institution in the promotion of cultural understanding in Africa and the health and well-being of its population through effective communication and responsive, participatory training. ACI's Baobab Center study abroad, language and cultural programs help newcomers to Senegal and Africa overcome cultural and linguistic barriers, gain insights into issues concerning developing nations, and better understand and master the cross-cultural learning process. ACI's health programs aim to create a favorable environment for the involvement of individuals, communitites, and institutions from all sectors of society in the process of developing and implementing effective, sustainable health solutions with an emphasis on appropriate responses to the HIV/AIDS epidemic and its consequences.