AIDS action
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In Brazil, until 1990, the authorities could legally arrest a child found alone in the streets, and put them in prison-like institutions. Their crime? To be poor, usually black and living on the streets. The Brazilian Center for the Defense of the Rights of Children and Adolescents (SOS Crianca) was set up a few years ago with the aim of changing this legislation. ⋯ How many young people does SOS Crianca reach? The answer is not only to do with the numbers seeking health care, but also how many clinic doors are open to them. More and more young people, not just those living on the streets where SOS Crianca works, but others in poor communities, are using the service. It is called "Health Maloca," because the children call their makeshift homes--shelters made of cardboard and newspaper--"malocas." The name also symbolizes that these young people need to find their own ways of taking more control over their bodies and lives.