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CNN World Report

Brazil and the Fight Against HIV AIDS

Aired July 01, 2001 - 14:16   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

UNIDENTIFIED MALE, UNTV CORRESPONDENT: A familiar site in Brazil's northeastern city in (UNINTELLIGIBLE). The red bus of AIDS arrives, it's part of the country's fight against AIDS and other STDs or sexually transmitted diseases. Brazil is making affordable medicines for everyone, who's HIV positive and ensuring that the disease won't spread is a priority.

ANDRE BARROS, BRAZILIAN SECRETARY FOR COMMUNICATIONS: As far as sexually transmitted diseases are concerned, we have gone for prevention,

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: The country's efforts are paying off. The extent of HIV AIDS is only half of what was predicted in 1994. As a result of the partnership between international organizations, such as the World Bank and drug control and crime prevention, the Brazilian Federal Health Ministry's state and local authorities in non- government organizations.

It is characteristic with the Brazilian effort. With the help of students, passers-by, they are invited to spend a few minutes inside the red bus of AIDS. They find out how to prevent HIV AIDS. They watch a specially produced video on the STDs. It employs humor to get the message across.

DR. ALMIR SANTANA, COORDINATOR, STD/AIDS: Our biggest and most important partner is Brazil's Health Ministry and the foreign institutions whom we work with. It is really due to these partnerships that we have been able to implement this project.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: At the (UNINTELLIGIBLE) of Prostitutes Association, members learn information on STD, AIDS. It has been at the forefront of the struggle to protect the rights and health of prostitutes in the state.

MARIA CASTELINO, PRESIDENT, PROSTITUTES' ASSOCIATION: Our members distribute information. They are trained to approach the women right on the street. They hand out information materials and teach the women how to use condoms properly.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: It has made a huge difference. The number of sex workers infected with HIV AIDS is remarkably low. The Brazilian experience will be among those discussed at a special session of the U.N. General Assembly on AIDS in June.

U.N. Television, this report prepared by (UNINTELLIGIBLE) for the CNN WORLD REPORT.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

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