Massive Increase of HIV Cases in Brazil in Young People
By Xiu Ying, Contributing Reporter
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – The Epidemiological Bulletin on HIV/AIDS published annually says virus infection among young people aged 15-24 has increased by approximately 700 percent between 2007 and 2017.
According to experts, this increase is due to the greater availability of tests and awareness campaigns.
The Director-president of the Brazilian Interdisciplinary AIDS Association (Abia), Richard Parker, said that the country is currently experiencing an HIV epidemic.
He added that the campaigns directed at the most vulnerable groups, such as transsexuals and sex workers, triggered protests among social sectors.
According to Richard, campaigns have been becoming increasingly less explicit since 2012, and not only directed at those most in need of clarification.
He also emphasizes the importance of the fast HIV test available in Healthcare Units all over Brazil.
In 2017, 42,420 new cases of HIV and 37,791 cases of AIDS were diagnosed in Brazil.
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