AIDES is a driving force in social improvement. Its actions are often ahead of their time. For example, in the mid 80s, AIDES activists began to give out clean injecting needles. This initiative, illegal at the time was enough to convince the government of its utility. The PACS (civil union for homosexual couples) or the AERAS convention (insurance and loans for people with an aggravated health risk) are other examples of advocacy which helped to improve the lives of those living with HIV/Aids.