Mobile HIV/AIDS Testing: Bringing AID to the Source

Sao Paulo

Quero Fazer (I Want to Do It) program launch in Sao Paulo

Mobile unit

When it comes to AIDS prevention and treatment, it is essential to bring the services directly to at-risk groups.  To that end, the U.S. Agency for International Assistance (USAID) joined with the Brazilian NGO EPAH  as well as municipal and federal health authorities to launch Quero Fazer (I Want to Do It) in Sao Paulo on Friday September 16^th.  The Quero Fazer program is a health partnership that uses a mobile trailer to bring basic services – free HIV testing and counseling -- to combat HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases among high risk populations.  According to USAID Brazil Director Lawrence Hardy, the mobile unit is only the pilot for a program that is envisioned to spiral out to the rest of the state.  EPAH coordinator Beto de Jesus stressed that “testing is a right of all citizens. This project allows us to bring testing closer to the population who need it.”

The trailer will operate every Sunday from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Largo do Arouche in downtown Sao Paulo offering these services to the gay community, transvestites and other at-risk groups.  The Quero Fazer program has been implemented in Brasilia, Rio and Recife and has provided free testing to nearly 5,000 people, 60% of whom are in the targeted high risk groups.  The program’s goal is to provide free testing and consultations for 10,000 people by 2014.