Expanding Access to HIV Testing in Northern Minas Gerais, Brazil

Authors

Julia Elinor Roberts, Elon University
Kimberly Marie Jones, Elon University
Luçandra Ramos Espirito Santos Espirito Santos, Universidade Estadual de Montes Claros
Mauro Jose Guedes Roque, Universitary Hospital Clemente de Faria
Marise Fagundes Silveira, Universidade Estadual de Montes Claros
Amaro Sérgio Marques, Universidade Estadual de Montes Claros

Abstract

[2009 Undergraduate Prize Winner]

Brazil serves as a potent example of a nation striving to meet the public healthcare needs of a complex and diverse society. To evaluate how a public hospital in Montes Claros, Brazil has attempted to reconcile HIV/AIDS outcome gaps, this study examined aspects of the demographic profi les of public health clients receiving HIV exams in the largest city in Northern Minas Gerais at two respective sites. Age, sex, and residential neighborhood for clients tested for HIV during an eight month period in 2007-2008 at HUCF and CTA were statistically compared. In comparison to CTA, the population served by HUCF included more women, people from rural areas, and youth (ages 10-16). These populations, who face inequities in access to HIV services on the national level in Brazil, were more likely to access testing at the hospital. This case study serves as an example to other municipalities of how it may be necessary to offer public health care services at diverse sites in order to provide access to target populations.

Relational Format

journal article

Recommended Citation

Roberts, Julia Elinor; Jones, Kimberly Marie; Espirito Santos, Luçandra Ramos Espirito Santos; Guedes Roque, Mauro Jose; Silveira, Marise Fagundes; and Marques, Amaro Sérgio (2009) "Expanding Access to HIV Testing in Northern Minas Gerais, Brazil," Southern Anthropologist: Vol. 34: No. 1, Article 5.
Available at: https://egrove.olemiss.edu/southern_anthropologist/vol34/iss1/5