A quarterly international newsletter on sexuality, sexual health, and sexuality education.
Volume 2, Issue 3 - Winter 2002/2003
Brazil Launches First Anti-AIDS Campaign for Gay Men
Brazil launched its first HIV/AIDS awareness campaign targeted specifically toward young gay men in June 2002.
Brazil has emerged, along with Uganda, as one of the few HIV prevention success stories in the world which encompasses both prevention strategies and treatment. Brazil's openness about sexuality enabled frank public education campaigns on sexually transmitted diseases and AIDS.
Along with condom distribution programs, Brazil has initiated sexuality and HIV prevention education in the nation's schools. It has also developed radio and television pubic service announcements. In the past, these programs had avoided focusing on gay men for fear of fueling discrimination and reinforcing the old stigma that links AIDS and homosexuality.
But with the infection rates increasing 8.7 percent between 1996 and 2001 for gay men between the ages of 15 and 24 and 3.4 percent for gay men between the ages of 25 and 34, officials decided that "now the time has come to act," said Paulo Teixeira, coordinator of the country's AIDS program.
The government's campaign was developed in consultation with gay rights activists. It is designed to raise understanding about gay men, especially among health care providers, educators, and parents.
In June 2002, a commercial was aired on prime-time television that portrayed a young man receiving needed support from his family after having troubles with his boyfriend. The final slogan reads:"Respecting differences is as important as using a condom."
An advertisement for magazines says:"Use a condom with your boyfriend…That's something a father should say to his son."
The $1.2 million campaign will also show commercials in gay movie theaters. Members of 80 gay groups will also distribute informational pamphlets, posters, and key rings at gay establishments.
Securing the participation of members of the gay community is essential for developing and implementing comprehensive HIV prevention strategies. Brazil's newest campaign seeks to address not only factors directly related to health such as condoms, risk factors, and STDs but also personal factors such as enhancing self-esteem and empowerment.
For more information, contact:
Paulo Roberto Teixeira. M.D.
Director, Brazil's National
STD/AIDS Program
Coordenacao Nacional de STD/AIDS
-Ministry of Health
Esplanada dos Ministerios-
BI. G-Sobreloia, Sala 110
Brazil
Phone: 55.61.315.2143
Fax: 55.61.315.2519
E-mail: aids@aids.gov.br
Web Master: siecus@siecus.org