In Brazil, AIDS has increased steadily until 2002, then came to present a gradual reduction until 2007, but in recent years has grown again. This study aimed to describe the prevalence of HIV in Brazil in the last 15 years. Bibliographic research was conducted through electronic search of articles available in major databases: SciELO, Lilacs, Pubmed / Medline, in addition to non-systematic consultation on the website of Ministry of Health of the last 15 years. Were used as descriptors: AIDS, HIV, epidemiology, Brazil. The incidence rates shows that Brazil is now one of the lowest prevalence of HIV / AIDS in the Mercosur region, behind Uruguay (0.6%) and Chile (0.5%). From 1999 to 2009, while the incidence rate fell in the Southeast, has grown in other regions, being sharply in the North, which went from 7 to 20 cases per 100 thousand inhabitants. It is more prevalent in males. With respect to age, the highest incidence is among persons aged 35-39 years; 58 for men and 36 for women (per 100 thousand inhabitants). But over time, the incidence rates among young people 13-19 years and older, reaching double among people over 60 in the last 10 increased significantly. As to the mode of transmission among those 13 years of age, sexual prevails. Highlights the importance of studies on the prevalence of AIDS around the world to assess their magnitude.