Collaboration on HIV/AIDS in Brazil and South Africa

Elizabeth Mills is collaborating with the Department of Social Development (University of Pernambuco) and with Dr Head, Convenor of the MPhil in HIV/AIDS and Society (Sociology Department, University of Cape Town) to develop a comparative analysis of the social drivers of HIV in Brazil and South Africa. The project aims to assess the role of social movements in shaping the national response to HIV prevention and treatment. Brazil and South Africa are classified as middle income countries with high levels of entrenched inequality; they are also home to a large proportion of people living with HIV in their respective regions of Latin America and Southern Africa. National reports from both countries indicate an alarming increase in the number of HIV infections among young women compared to young men aged 16 – 24. Despite similar trends in economic development and high levels of inequality, the evolution of Brazil and South Africa's policy response to HIV/AIDS has been significantly different; these different health policy trajectories have played an important role in shaping HIV transmission and treatment. This collaborative project aims to develop a cross-country comparative analysis to highlight the nature and impact of these trends. Through the collaboration we held two seminars, in Brazil and South Africa in 2009, and we met with a range of academics and activists working in government and in civil society, LGBTQ and feminist movements in both countries. This collaboration extends over a period of two years, and will culminate in the publication of a book that will contrast each country's social, economic and political response to HIV and AIDS.

Meeting the medical and social services personnel at a public hospital in Recife, Brazil

Meeting with the HIV/AIDS Coordination Unit (UCT)

Prof Anna Vieira presents at the Seminar on HIV/AIDS at UCT.