The Grupo Pela Vida do Rio de Janeiro (RJ-GPV) was founded in 1989, to provide support to those living with HIV and AIDS, as well as their friends and family - A large number of highly dedicated volunteers and professionals work tirelessly to fight the growing national epidemic.

Their main aims are to break down the stigma related to the disease, help sufferers feel less isolated, reintegrate them into daily life, and defend their rights and dignity.

It has developed a number of self-help activities at its headquarters in Centro, offers free legal assistance to those affected, a telephone information service, and has developed the Rio Buddy Project to offer home care to people living with AIDS - They can be reached via email here and on their main website on this link