Government to distribute 5 million condoms during Carnival

During Carnival days, the Health Ministry is expected to hand out 5 million condoms at street parties in 17 cities, like Rio de Janeiro, Salvador, and Ouro Preto—areas with the highest number of revelers.

The action aims to underscore the importance of wearing protection to avoid contamination with the HIV virus and other STDs. Apart from both male and female condoms, party-goers will be given packets of lubricant.

In several places, the items will be distributed by Condom Man, the mascot of the campaign. Airports, like the ones in Rio and Salvador, as well as bars, will be equipped with condom dispensers.

The novelty this year is that, starting on Ash Wednesday (10), leaflets will be given out at health care stations and billboards put up informing people about post-exposure prophylaxis. People who have unprotected sex will be advised to take medication up to 72 hours after the exposure.

According to data from the Health Ministry, 574 million condoms were distributed throughout 2015, surpassing 2014's 443.8 million.

Translated by Fabrício Ferreira