Health Ministry to hand out 77 million condoms before Carnival

By the beginning of Carnival, Brazil's Health Ministry is set to distribute 77 million condoms across the country. The initiative is part of a nationwide campaign against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), especially HIV/AIDS, and was launched today (Feb. 21) in Salvador by Health Minister Ricardo Barros. The initiative's motto this year is “Wear a condom during Carnival and experience this great party!” in a literal translation from the Portuguese.

“We urge people to wear a condom, especially young people. We're seeing a huge increase in HIV infection among young people, particularly those aged 15 to 24 years old, and it's important that we should keep it under control,” he said.

Some 74 million condoms and 3 million female condoms will be handed out at health care stations and mobile units installed by the city government during Carnival.

According to official data, despite the amount of information available on STDs and protection, Brazil is facing an epidemic of HIV/AIDS, with approximately 40 thousand new infections every year

Testing

In addition to prevention methods, the campaign is also an attempt to raise people's awareness about the need to get tested for STDs. In the case of AIDS, for instance, Brazilians infected with the disease and do not know it amount to over 100 thousand, Barros said. Also, HIV-positive individuals under treatment total less than 30% of the total infected who know about the condition (200 thousand).

At its launch ceremony, a video was played along with the campaign jingle, with its samba and axé versions. The material will be distributed through the media countrywide.

Translated by Fabrício Ferreira