Brazilian Response to the Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome Epidemic among Injection Drug Users

Abstract

The Brazilian response to the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) epidemic is being observed all over the world because of its success. Understanding the role of injection drug users (IDUs) in the epidemic and the political response thereto is a key factor in the control of the epidemic in Brazil. This paper summarizes some of the most important analyses of the Brazilian response to the HIV/AIDS epidemic among and from IDUs. Key elements of the response include the support of the Brazilian Universal Public Health System, the provision of universal access to highly active antiretroviral therapy, and the creation of harm reduction projects that are politically and financially supported by the federal government. The response among and from IDUs is a key element in overall control of the HIV/AIDS epidemic. The response to the epidemic among and from IDUs has been headed in the correct direction since its beginning and is now being intensively expanded.

Short Communication: Current Prevalence and Risk Factors Associated with Human T Lymphotropic Virus Type 1 and Human T Lymphotropic Virus Type 2 Infections Among HIV/AIDS Patients in São Paulo, Brazil

“…The city of Santos in São Paulo state was the first to attempt to control the spread of HIV/AIDS between and from IDUs in 1989, and subsequently several harm reduction projects have been politically and financially supported by the federal government of Brazil. 15 Another important factor that has contributed to the decrease in HIV/AIDS and HTLV infections among IDUs is an altered pattern of drug use (from injecting cocaine to smoking crack cocaine). One study conducted in Santos during the 1990s pointed out that when cocaine injection decreased and crack cocaine use increased, the prevalence of HIV infection decreased in this geographic area.…”

Is human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome decreasing among Brazilian injection drug users? Recent findings and how to interpret them

“…In three different Brazilian cities (Rio de Janeiro, Salvador, and Santos), with mature epidemics (Carvalho et al 1996, Telles et al 1997, Andrade et al 1998, Guimarães et al 2001, Mesquita et al 2001) and well-established preventive programs (Telles 1999, Andrade et al 2001, Mesquita et al 2003, declining HIV/AIDS epidemics have been reported in the population of injection drug users.…”

“…With a unique drug scene, where the injection of heroin and opiates has been negligible and cocaine has been extensively snorted, smoked and, in a lesser extent, injected (Dunn & Laranjeira 1999), Brazil is nowadays the developing country with the most comprehensive network of facilities aiming to prevent drug-related harm (Mesquita et al 2003). On the other hand, studies targeting IDUs are still scarce in Brazil and evaluation of ongoing programs and projects aiming to reduce drug-related harm even rarer.…”

Intervenciones para la prevención del VIH e ITS en América Latina y Caribe: una revisión de la experiencia regional

“…Los 90 , el concepto de reducción de daños se va enriqueciendo con la inclusión de servicios de prevención de hepatitis y de sobredosis, prevención de la transmisión sexual y acceso y adherencia al tratamiento antirretroviral 91,92 . Estrategias como las de intervenciones de pares han sido incorporadas en el marco de programas integrales 91 Frente a situaciones problemáticas poco conocidas, los diagnósticos rápidos orientados a la acción son de utilidad.…”