Brazilian Health Minister Highlights Importance of Protection During Carnival, Announces Distribution of 138 Million Condoms Nationwide
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Brazil’s Minister of Health, Alexandre Padilha, emphasized the importance of safe sex practices during Carnival 2026, highlighting the government’s commitment to preventing sexually transmitted infections (STIs). He announced that this year marks the first Carnival with two recent condom models available through the Unified Health System (SUS): textured (TEX) and ultra-thin (SENSI) condoms, incorporated in 2025 to increase uptake, particularly among young people.
On Saturday, February 14th, in Recife, Minister Padilha kicked off the Carnival season with a breakfast meeting with representatives from the Galo da Madrugada bloco. During the meeting, he reinforced the Ministry of Health’s combined prevention strategy.
“We currently have numerous health professionals working to ensure a safe and wonderful Carnival here in Recife and throughout the country,” Padilha stated. “We have professionals from the SAMU [Mobile Emergency Care Service], health posts, testing centers for syphilis and HPV, as well as vaccines against HPV and measles.”
“It’s key to always be protected. To that end, we continue distributing both male and female condoms, as well as PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis).”
During his visit to Galo da Madrugada, Padilha noted that 138 million condoms were distributed to states over the past three months to bolster supplies during the Carnival period. Of that total, approximately 132 million are external condoms, including the TEX and SENSI versions, and 3.8 million are internal condoms, made of latex or nitrile.
The initiative is part of the “Carnaval com prevenção. Antes, durante e depois da folia, é o governo do Brasil do seu lado” (Carnival with Prevention. Before, during and after the festivities, the Brazilian government is on your side) campaign, fronted by singer Gaby Amarantos. The campaign specifically aims to raise awareness among young adults.
The effort reinforces the SUS’s combined prevention strategy, which includes vaccinations against hepatitis A and B and HPV, rapid testing for HIV, syphilis, and viral hepatitis, as well as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), which can be started within 72 hours of a potential exposure.
Zé Gotão Doll
Recife also served as the setting for a meeting between two versions of the character symbolizing Brazil’s immunization campaigns: the SUS mascot, Zé Gotinha, and a giant version, Zé Gotão, created by local artist Miguel dos Bonecos.
By combining popular culture and health messaging, the two versions of the character participated in Carnival festivities in the streets of Recife and Olinda, promoting vaccination and disease prevention, particularly during a period of high population density.
On Saturday, the minister also emphasized the importance of early HIV diagnosis as a central public health strategy.
“Testing is an essential tool for saving lives. The earlier the diagnosis, the greater the chance of starting treatment, improving quality of life, and interrupting the chain of transmission,” he declared.
Where to Discover Condoms and Tests
External and internal condoms are distributed free of charge by the Unified Health System (SUS) at Basic Health Units (UBSs), Testing and Counseling Centers (CTAs), and during outreach events at large events like Carnival.
Rapid tests for HIV, syphilis, and viral hepatitis are also available free of charge at UBSs and CTAs throughout the country, with results available in minutes and confidentiality assured.
In the event of a potential exposure, PEP can be initiated within 72 hours, following evaluation at health services.
Tips for Enjoying Carnival Safely
- Drink water to stay hydrated
- Use sunscreen
- If traveling to forested areas, receive vaccinated against yellow fever
- Protect yourself against HIV, hepatitis B and C, syphilis, and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
- If needed, seek care at a Health Unit
