[Biomedicalization and responses to aids in Brazil: research notes].

This text addresses the process of biomedicalization in the responses to the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (aids), based on field research in Rio de Janeiro and document and literature reviews. Considering the socio-anthropological perspective and social studies of science, the current predominance of preventative biomedical strategies implies both reconfigurations of the scientific and institutional order and interventions in health and sexuality. These transformations reveal an established definition of the epidemic as a clinical problem, reconfiguration of debates on sexuality and stigma, and erasure of the discussion on structural inequalities and human rights, and new studies on HIV/aids within social sciences and humanities are needed.

Pre-exposure prophylaxis for HIV in Brazil: hopes and moral panic in the social construction of a biomedical technology.

This paper addresses the role emotions play in the social assemblage of medicines and technical processes in the response to the HIV called pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV. We describe a series of stages and processes in the social construction of PrEP in Brazil from the run-up to the launch of the initiative by the Ministry of Health to the subsequent implementation of the strategy by public health services. To understand the meanings and symbolism assigned to this biomedical technology, we examined the hopes underpinning scientific, government and non-governmental narratives, clinical processes and health policy.

A retreat from human rights? A reflection on sex work's place in contemporary HIV prevention.

In 2012, the World Health Organization guidelines for HIV prevention recommended the decriminalisation of sex work as their number one good practice. Although human rights language played a key role in the international scientific and activist endorsement of the WHO policies, since then there have been few initiatives in terms of advancing the kinds of structural and political changes endorsed. In this Commentary, we reflect on sex work's place in the broader field of the biomedicalization of responses to HIV.

Challenges facing HIV treatment as prevention in Brazil: an analysis drawing on literature on testing.

According to current global AIDS guidelines, HIV testing is key to the success of the 'treatment as prevention' (TasP) strategy and the control of AIDS. In view of Brazil's commitment to these guidelines, this article characterizes the principles and justifications underpinning TasP and discusses implementation challenges. The analysis draws on a systematic review of the literature (2005 to 2015) on recruitment and testing strategies for men who have sex with men.

Experiences of transgender women/transvestites with access to health services: progress, limits, and tensions.

Given both the changes in sexual customs, norms and policies and the persistent patterns in Brazil, the article analyzes the experiences of transgender women/transvestites with access to health services and discusses sexual/gender discrimination and their demands for gender transition and AIDS prevention services. The study involved interviews with nine transgender women/transvestites 23-45 years of age from low-income strata in the Baixada Fluminense region of Greater Metropolitan Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in 2016 and observation of contexts of prostitution and sociability. Compared to the violence experienced years previously, the narratives of transgender women/transvestites highlight important social strides.

A review of HIV testing strategies among MSM (2005-2015): Changes and continuities due to the biomedicalization of responses to AIDS.

Global AIDS policy points to a new prevention rationale centred on the identification and treatment of people infected with HIV, particularly among the so-called key populations. This study analyses the continuities and changes in HIV testing strategies based on a meta-narrative review of academic output (2005-2015) focusing on men who have sex with men. We reviewed 65 articles based on their prevention approaches, testing strategies and the involvement of non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and community-based organisations.