March 2005

Brazil Distributes Condoms during Carnival

The Brazilian government expected to distribute a record 11 million condoms February 4 through 9 to prevent the spread of HIV and other STDs, Reuters reported. Health authorities in Brazil, which has been hit hard by HGIV/AIDS, said that “the close contact in tropical heat intensifies sexual relations.” The campaign to promote condom use was called “Dress Yourself” and sent the message that a condom should be part of their outfit not matter how little they wear. There is a popular samba song called “What will you wear?”

Through its free condom distribution program, the Brazilian government hopes by 2008 to boost condom use from the current 1.2 billion a year to 3 billion. Brazil also provides antiretroviral drugs free.