Brasília, 19 March 2015 - The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) manifests concern with the recent news published in the press about the possible cases of intentional transmission of HIV, considering their impact in the increase of the stigma and the prejudice related to HIV and to people living with HIV/Aids.

Besides having sensational and alarming character, the complaints diffused by the media have been based on information contained in questionable sources on the internet, such as unknown websites, blogs and anonymous profiles. The news have been dealing, without distinction, with sexual practices consented between adults without the use of preservative (known as bareback and that are not limit to homosexuals couples) and the possible cases of intentional transmission of HIV in an extremely wrong way.

The UNAIDS advocates for the use of condom as a prevention method of HIV. The UNAIDS also defends the right of all individuals to fully exert their sexuality, which includes the choice of strategies and methods more appropriate for the prevention.

Among the latest scientific and medical advances related to HIV, it is important to highlight the fact that the effective and consistent treatment has increased the expectation and quality of life of people living with the virus. Furthermore, it was demonstrated that this approach can reduce the risk of HIV transmission in 96%.

The UNAIDS also highlights that there is no evidence that the use of criminal laws regarding HIV is an effective tool to prevent and respond to the epidemic. On the other hand, there are strong indications that the fear of being processed or arrested may discourage people to do the HIV test or to continue the treatment. 

The UNAIDS defends the principles of Zero Discrimination, the respect to people living with HIV and the defense of their rights. The UNAIDS also defends the respect to diversity. All Brazilians must have guaranteed their rights to a healthy sexuality and to access prevention materials, testing, treatment, care and support regarding HIV.

The UNAIDS considers that the role of media is to inform and promote the debate on important issues for the society. Therefore, we invite the press and the entire society to discuss the question of HIV in a clearly and neutral way, without stigmas or prejudices.

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