Background

USAID/Brazil’s health program focuses on three infectious diseases: tuberculosis, malaria, and HIV/AIDS. These infirmities affect health, well-being, and productivity, especially among low income people. USAID works closely with the Brazilian Ministry of Health, civil society, and local institutions to develop a joint response to these public health priorities.

Tuberculosis (TB) is a global public health challenge that impacts many people in all countries of the world. The bacteria that causes tuberculosis is transmitted through the air, which significantly increases the chance of a person becoming infected and developing the disease. Tuberculosis is best prevented by promptly diagnosing and effectively treating people with pulmonary TB.

Since the first case of HIV was recognized in Brazil in 1980, the Brazilian government has taken many positive steps to combat HIV/AIDS. Brazil provides anti-retroviral therapy free-of-charge to all AIDS patients who are eligible. The government’s policy to provide universal access to anti-retroviral therapy has been recognized as a global model for developing countries tackling the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Although Brazil’s response to AIDS has been marked by a strong governmental response and engagement of civil society in the formulation of HIV-related policies, there are still important areas to jointly address in order to reach the most socially excluded populations.

Malaria is the most important disease in the Amazon region and has negative impact on development and the elimination of poverty. Intense and disorganized migration to the outskirts of major cities in the region has led to a concentration of malaria cases. Brazil’s malaria control program is based on rapid diagnosis, quick and effective treatment, and vector control. In addition, USAID/Brazil and its partners are collaborating together in the state of Amazonas to strengthen community-based control activities which emphasize the use of insecticide treated nets (ITNs) in order to interrupt malaria transmission in priority municipalities.

What is USAID doing in this area?

• USAID is expanding the Directly Observed Treatment Short Course Strategy (DOTS) in areas with the highest burden of tuberculosis; combating Multidrug Resistant TB (MDR-TB); improving coordination between TB and HIV/AIDS Programs in order to address TB/HIV co-infection; and increasing public awareness about TB;

• USAID is also developing activities focused on creating new models to improve the quality of life and promote social inclusion of people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA); diversifying strategies to expand access to HIV testing and counseling; and introducing distance learning tools to strengthen management, strategic planning, and leadership capacity at HIV/AIDS programs in selected institutions throughout Brazil;

• USAID supports community-based responses to prevent malaria transmission and vector control and promotes the use of ITNs in selected priority municipalities.

What does USAID expect to achieve?

In partnership with the Brazilian Government and partner organizations USAID expects to:

• Increase TB cure and detection, and consequently decrease TB transmission and MDR-TB incidence;

• Decrease incidence of TB disease in people living with HIV/AIDS;

• Increase the number of people who are aware of their HIV serologic status and receive counseling for HIV/AIDS;

• Increase opportunities to promote economic empowerment and social integration for PLWHA;

• Raise awareness about malaria control in priority municipalities, and increase community participation in vector control activities;

• Ensure that 80% of the population in selected communities correctly use ITNs and consequently interrupt the transmission of malaria in these locations.