Abstract
In the space of four decades, Brazil has faced two serious pandemics: human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) and Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The country’s response to HIV/AIDS was coordinated by several stakeholders and recognised the importance of scientific evidence in guiding decision-making, and a network offering monitoring and antiretroviral treatment was provided through coordinated efforts by the country’s universal health system. Conversely, the lack of a centrally coordinated strategy and misalignment between government ministries regarding the COVID-19 pandemic response, together with the denial of scientific evidence, promotion of ineffective treatments and insufficient vaccination efforts, have all led to the uncontrolled spread of infection, the near-total collapse of the health system and excess deaths.
Highlights
human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) and Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) are diseases with distinct epidemiological, biological and clinical profiles
Considering its experience acquired during the AIDS pandemic, the extensive reach of SUS and the presence of a robust national immunisation program (PNI) capable of vaccinating millions per day, Brazil had all the necessary tools to effectively respond to the COVID-19 pandemic
It is important to note the autonomy of the Ministry of Health (MoH) and the National AIDS Program with regard to ideological preferences or outside influence from private groups, which permitted the establishment of bold price negotiations in the purchasing of antiretrovirals, as well as the establishment of progressive health campaigns aimed at AIDS prevention
Summary
HIV/AIDS and Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) are diseases with distinct epidemiological, biological and clinical profiles. In 1986, the Ministry of Health (MoH) established the National STD/AIDS Program, which involved extensive stakeholder participation.[1] These stakeholders included the Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz), one of the most important scientific and technological institutions in Latin America, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), public universities, and state/municipal health secretariats.
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