Brazil is one of the few countries in the developing world where HIV prevalence is decreasing, due to its model AIDS program. It is controversial, however, since it involves bypassing the big drugs firms to produce generic copycat AIDS medicines.
ActionAid in Brazil
ActionAid started work in Brazil in 1999 and is now working with over 10,000 people in urban and rural areas.
In the rural northeast, we support projects that strengthen the livelihoods of family farmers.
In the urban slum areas of Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo, we are helping to empower local community organisations.
ActionAid Brasil campaigns to safeguard poor people's right to food and education, and for trade justice.
ActionAid works with the landless movement, Movimento dos Trabalhadores Rurais Sem Terra (MST) to advocate for peasants' rights and press for land reform. We have helped create a national coalition representing over four million agricultural workers.
"Before we had no work, no money, no food. We had to negotiate with the big landlords to be able to work the land.
"Now the production is all our own. Now the land serves its function - it feeds us and we are self-sustainable. It is our legal right. MST has helped us gain our rights."
Leonaris, farmer, Maranhao state.
Essential Stats
| Brazil | Australia | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 194.37 million (2009) | 21.5 million (2009) |
| Area | 8,514,877 km2 | 7,703,581 km2 |
| Gross Domestic Product (GDP) | $1.63 billion (2009) | $970.6 billion (2009) |
| GDP per capita | $8,391 (2009) | $44,598 (2009) |
| Human Development Index | 0.80 (2006) |
0.965 (2006) |
| Life Expectancy (male/female) | 69/76 (2005-2010) |
79/84 (2005-2010) |
| Adult Literacy % | 88.6 (1995-2005) | 99 (1995-2005) |
SOURCES: IMF, UN Data, HDI, UN Statistics
