Example: Turning an obstacle into an opportunity

In 1992, a young Brazilian girl was kept out of primary school because she was HIV positive. The incident, which occurred in S o Paulo where the bulk of Brazil’s AIDS cases were concentrated at the time, put the spotlight on discrimination against all people living with HIV.

AIDS activists inside and outside the government joined with the media to bring the case to public attention. They used it to build public pressure for a more supportive environment for people living with HIV and AIDS. The S o Paulo school system was especially responsive - it has now developed a comprehensive sexual health education syllabus, and supports access for children affected by HIV.

The pressure built around the case continues to have an effect; although the girl has now died, an annual award is given in her name for work in reducing the transmission of HIV and its impact.