Prevenção às DST/AIDS e processos comunicativos: estudo de caso, a partir do quadro da vulnerabilidade

. The vulnerability in STD/AIDS has proposed not only a new way of dealing with this situation, but also of thinking about sexually transmitted diseases and AIDS prevention strategies. Objective. Since the perception of this vulnerability represents a challenge for prevention practices, strongly based on a verticalization strategy, this paper discusses the experience of a participatory peer education as an STD/AIDS prevention strategy, highlighting the potentialities, possibilities and challenges of dealing with the complexity and dynamism of this reference. Methodology. The experience was taken as a case study and the material produced based on reports received hermeneutic treatment. Results. Tensions were identifi ed in the coordination of the strategy by the governmental institution, as well as 1 Endereço para correspondência: Rua Professor Nehemias Gueiros, 243, apto. 201, Recreio dos Bandeirantes, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil 22790-030. E-mail: neks@uol.com.br e luzia.ao@uol.com.br Agradecemos o Núcleo de Estudos e Prevenção em Aids (NEPAIDS), por instigar e apoiar refl exões que valorizam a dupla mão entre experiências práticas e produção de conhecimento. Também ressaltamos a cuidadosa e preciosa revisão do texto realizada pelas companheiras Dulce Ferraz e Maria Ines Battistella Nemes. As autoras trabalharam juntas em todas as etapas de elaboração do manuscrito. Silva, N. E. K., Oliveira, L. A. 752 the very idea of “peer” and its identity relations. The dilemmas represented by the wide range of propositions regarding vulnerability were also highlighted. Conclusion. In conclusion, we stress that investment in the communication dimensions of peer prevention, through the enrichment of argumentative repertoires, was fruitful.