Brazil's anti-HIV/AIDS strategy is recognized the world over for effectively reduce by half the number of Aids related deaths in the country. Since 1988, the World Bank has been a partner in technical assistance and financial support for the program, totaling more than US$430 million in loans.
Soon after the first Aids cases were reported in Brazil in 1982, the federal and state governments, as well as civil society, mobilized to contain the spread of the disease.
Brazil's strategy was based on an innovative three-pronged approach: early and continued prevention; protection and promotion of human rights; and universal access to treatment and assistance.
The Brazilian Program of Sexually Transmitted Diseases and Aids received support from the World Bank and contributed decisively to the slowing of the epidemic. Civil society's active participation raised awareness to the disease and promoted protection and healthy behaviors, especially among the young and high risk groups.
It was estimated that Brazil could have 1.2 million cases of HIV/Aids by 2000 if there were no preventive measures. In a clear indication of the program's efficiency, now 600 thousand Brazilians live with the infection. The Brazilian strategy has also significantly decreased the mortality and hospitalization rates associated with the disease, thanks to the successful anti-retroviral drug distribution program.
The Bank has been helping to disseminate Brazil's experience to other countries, including all of the Mercosur, El Salvador, Dominican Republic, and several African nations such as Nigeria, Mozambique, Angola and Cape Verde.
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