title: [Public health, damage containment and the prevention of blood-borne and sexually transmitted infections: a review of the core concepts and their implementation in Brazil].
abstract: This article assesses the historical context and the conceptual frame of setting up damage containment programs in the field of public health, with special emphasis on the Brazilian experience. The survey seeks to assess the relevance of such programs in the ongoing efforts to curb the spread of blood-borne and sexually transmitted infections, especially AIDS and hepatitis C. Findings from both the Brazilian and the international literature demonstrate that practical damage containment initiatives tend to be more effective when integrated with other public health measures based on common goals. Damage containment initiatives, aligned with the basic principles of public health do not limit themselves to a priori models or health care per se. They encompass a variety of pragmatic measures based on public policies and should be in line with the demands of the communities since the moment of their inception and implemented in the context of full partnership with such communities.
authors: Centro de Saúde Escola Germano Sinval Faria, Escola Nacional de Saúde Pública, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro. luciliaelias@ensp.fiocruz.br
authors: Lucília de Almeida
authors: Lde A
authors: Elias
authors: Francisco Inacio
authors: FI
authors: Bastos
mesh_terms: D017848:Blood-Borne Pathogens; D001938:Brazil; D006801:Humans; D017053:Infection Control; D018671:Needle-Exchange Programs; D011634:Public Health; D012749:Sexually Transmitted Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control*