From “dot.org” to “dot.gov”: Professional Crossings in the Brazilian National Policy on HIV/AIDS

This article reflects on the importance of the relations between state and society in policy-making in the area of public
health. Several studies in various sectors such as health, education, and social services have made similar observations on
organizational dynamics and the institutionalization of different models of partnerships or contracts, often based on the
analytical model of three sectors. Individuals and their networks of relationships, however, remain an almost unexplored dimension
in these types of research. Against this backdrop, this study seeks to analyze the movement of HIV/AIDS activists to governmental
organizations working in this same field. The analysis raises questions concerning the forms of individual and institutional
learning that help to maintain the distinct character of innovation of the Brazilian policy. Professionals who cross the borders
hold a different profile once they have accumulated experience working with grassroots and local NGOs, and have also had the
chance to be trained and enhance their technical and managerial capacities, since the government has supported NGOs for a
long period. When combined, these experiences allow them to maintain relationships with social movements and give them the
ability to navigate through the government bureaucracy and handle technical information about fighting AIDS epidemics, making
it possible for them to negotiate strategic collaborations reflecting the interests of different groups. Hence, they constantly
reflect on the differences between government and social spaces, and keep questioning and modifying their roles in the light
of potential and existing complementarities.