title: 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.
authors.affiliation: STD/AIDS Control Program of São Paulo City Health Department, São Paulo, Brazil. mesquitaberkeley@hotmail. com
authors.forename: Fábio
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Mesquita
authors.forename: Denise
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Doneda
authors.forename: Denise
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Gandolfi
authors.forename: Maria Inês Battistella
authors.initials: MI
authors.lastname: Nemes
authors.forename: Tarcísio
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Andrade
authors.forename: Regina
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Bueno
authors.forename: Daniela
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Piconez e Trigueiros
mesh_terms: D000163:Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D023241:Antiretroviral Therapy, Highly Active; D001938:Brazil / Q000453:epidemiology; D004196:Disease Outbreaks; D005260:Female; D006678:HIV; D006801:Humans; D009313:National Health Programs; D011247:Pregnancy; D011634:Public Health / Q000379:methods; D011640:Public Policy; D015819:Substance Abuse, Intravenous / Q000150:complications*