Portal de Periódicos da CAPES

Cuba’s National HIV/AIDS Program

2011; Volume: 13; Issue: 2 Linguagem: Inglês

10.37757/mr2011v13.n2.3

1555-7960

Conner Gorry,

Cuban History and Society

Just over 25 years ago, when volunteers returning from international service in Africa showed signs of a mystery illness, Cuban health authorities acted swiftly and decisively. Their response was modeled on classic infectious disease control and included an epidemiological surveillance system, contact tracing and screening of at-risk groups and blood donations, accompanied by intensive research and development. The first AIDS-related death occurred in April 1986 and a policy of mandatory treatment in sanatoria was established, thought to be the most effective way of delivering the comprehensive medical, psychological and social care needed, and limiting the spread of the disease.[1] The sanatorium policy was harshly criticized by global media, human rights advocates, and some public health specialists.