Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2003. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2003. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
Reuters NewMedia - October 30, 2003
The tests are meant to identify people who are HIV positive, many of whom do not know or ignore the fact that they have the virus that causes AIDS, Health Minister Humberto Costa said.
"Some 400,000 people in Brazil don't know about their situation," said Costa. "As well as not treating themselves, they put other people's health at risk."
Brazil is believed to have 600,000 people who have the AIDS virus.
The World Health Organization has said it considers Brazil's anti-AIDS program to be a model for other poor nations. Brazil offers some free anti-AIDS drugs, and successfully battled rich countries last month to force drug companies to slash prices.
Using slogans like "Find out!" and "If you had sex without a condom, take the AIDS test," Brazil will roll out the test campaign this weekend in media ads and on posters and stickers plastered across Latin America's largest nation.
The free tests will be done in public hospitals and the campaign has a goal of 3.6 million tests by the end of 2004.
One ad will show people trying to carry pianos through a crowd, symbolizing the doubt on their minds.
"Get that weight off your mind," says the TV ad. Other ads are specifically aimed at prostitutes, pregnant women, married women and parents worried about their children.
While Brazilian men used to be most at risk for AIDS, figures show the disease is now spreading fastest among poor women between 13 and 29 years of age.
031030
RE031033
Copyright © 2003 - Reuters, Ltd. All rights reserved. Republication or redistribution of Reuters content is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Reuters. Reuters shall not be liable for any errors or delays in the content, or for any actions taken in reliance thereon. Contact Reuters.
AEGiS is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit, tax-exempt, educational corporation. AEGiS is made possible through unrestricted funding from Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, Elton John AIDS Foundation, the National Library of Medicine, Pacific Life Foundation and donations from users like you.
Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 2003. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.
AEGiS presents published material, reprinted with permission and neither endorses nor opposes any material. All information contained on this website, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is often presented in summary or aggregate form. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.
Copyright ©1980, 2003. AEGiS. All materials appearing on AEGiS are protected by copyright as a collective work or compilation under U.S. copyright and other laws and are the property of AEGiS, or the party credited as the provider of the content. .