Politics and Policy of HIV/AIDS

When compared to some of the world’s largest nations, Brazil stands out
as perhaps the most effective example of how to respond to the HIV/AIDS
epidemic. Since Brazil’s aggressive campaign against AIDS in the early
1990s, the number of mortality rates and infections has dissipated
quickly, highlighting the government and civil society’s successful
involvement in providing several preventive and medical treatment
programs. And yet, when compared to Brazil, several of the world
largest nations, such as China, India, Russia, and even the United
States, continue to fall short of accomplishing the same objectives?
Why is this the case? Why is Brazil so far ahead of its counterparts?

…Cardoso remarked that Brazil has defied expectations in its battle
against HIV/AIDS. With its cultural diversity, history of poverty, and
relatively new democracy, Brazil was able to bring the HIV/AIDS
epidemic under control to the extent that it is now a role model for
other nations. Cardoso pointed out that the key to their success is to
make the HIV/AIDS patient become a protagonist and to remove the social
stigma from the disease. In the early 1990s, the Brazilian government
established strong links with civil societies and nongovernmental
organizations (NGOs) to cooperate in the effort. Also, Brazil lowered
the cost of antiretroviral AIDS medication through local production of
generic drugs. Prevention was also an important part of the government
initiative. The government utilized the media to communicate to the
public the need for safe sex and for disseminating information about
HIV/AIDS…