The HIV/AIDS epidemic is widespread throughout the country and the world, having infected thousands of people in different life cycles. Thus, prevention strategies, both individual and collective, remain essential to reduce and control transmission rates. The purpose of this article is to analyze the health professionals' perceptions about health education practices carried out via collective actions among HIV-positive people. This qualitative study, which uses a descriptive approach, was developed alongside health professionals from five institutions in the city of Niterói, Rio de Janeiro. We used the semistructured interview technique and the content analysis method. The professionals view health education not only as a way to teach and learn, transfer information, exchange ideas and experiences, but also as a tool mutual growth, a reflective and participatory process that helps minimize suffering, to work on expectations and emotions, and to foster citizenship and quality of life. Health education actions enable the recreation of participatory, interactive, cooperative, and inclusive moments; they lead to social and affective development and to socio-political commitments; they draw people closer and humanize interpersonal relationships; they ensure access to prevention, and help produce comprehensive care that can promote health
HIV/AIDS; health education; collective actions; health professionals
