In a recent report, the Brazilian Ministry of Health revealed that an estimated 250,000 Brazilians are infected with HIV–and have no idea.

However, since Brazil is on the forefront of HIV prevention and treatment, all of those infected could easily find out and begin to receive free treatment. The Brazilian public health system uses a quick test to determine if a person has HIV by pricking their finger and testing their blood. The result is available in fifteen minutes. However, due to fear, embarrassment, and lack of inofrmation, many people fail to take the test.

In 1998, about 24% of the population took the test, while 40% of the population took the test in 2008. Nearly 3.3 million HIV test kits will be distribuited throughout Brazil in 2009.

An estimated 630,000 Brazilians are infected with HIV, while only 185,000 receive treatment. The Brazilian government also works toward prevention, including HIV awareness and the use of contraceptives.