The present work aims to understand the logic of the performance of existing public policies for people living with HIV/AIDS (PLHIV) in Brazil, considering the historical path of the problem raised. We also intend here to focus on a social perspective, considering the conditions of life and vulnerability to which these subjects are submitted and how the available public policies respond to the needs of this population. The methodology used was a systematic literature review that sought to answer how public policies for PLHIV work. Given the above, it is possible to understand that the crossings over HIV/AIDS are diverse and complex, showing that it is not only a matter of health, but social, political, economic and cultural. Therefore, interprofessionality, decentralization of care and a person-centered approach are essential practices for improving the quality of life of PLHIV and decreasing the rate of infection.