São Gonçalo: Free STI Testing & Prevention at Pátio Alcântara This Carnival

Health officials are preparing to offer on-site exams and distribute preventative materials to residents.

São Gonçalo’s Health Department, in partnership with Shopping Pátio Alcântara, will host a special public health awareness campaign on Thursday, February 12, from 10 a.m. To 3 p.m. The “Carnaval com Saúde – IST/HIV Prevention Campaign” aims to provide information, resources, and support to the community as Carnival approaches. This initiative is particularly crucial as festive periods often see increased risk of sexually transmitted infections.

With Carnival season nearing, health officials are emphasizing the importance of education regarding sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV. During the campaign, residents will have access to rapid tests for HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B and C. Information will be available on infection prevention, treatment options, and local resources in São Gonçalo. Free condoms, lubricant, and self-testing kits for HIV will likewise be distributed.

“The activity aims to intensify awareness about STIs, and, most importantly, the combined use of prevention methods,” explained Monique Gonzales, coordinator of the program. “We offer pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), but our primary goal is to reinforce the importance of consistent condom use, as they are the only method that can prevent any sexually transmitted disease.”

Condoms are readily available to São Gonçalo residents at all health posts, clinics, health centers, and emergency care units during regular business hours, 8 a.m. To 5 p.m. Rapid testing is also widely accessible at various locations throughout the city (see below).

Individuals seeking to prevent HIV infection before potential exposure can utilize pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), which creates a protective barrier against the virus with 98% efficacy. PrEP is a preventative measure, not a treatment or cure for the disease.

For those who may have engaged in unprotected sex and are concerned about potential infection, post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is available. This method can prevent HIV infection when started within 72 hours of exposure, and is 98% effective when used correctly.

Treatment Centers – Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. To 5 p.m.

HIV:

1. Policlínica Gonçalense de Referência para Doenças Crônicas e Transmissíveis, Parada 40;
2. Polo Sanitário Hélio Cruz, Alcântara;
3. Clínica da Família Dr. Zerbini, Arsenal.

Hepatitis B and C:

1. Policlínica Gonçalense de Referência para Doenças Crônicas e Transmissíveis, Parada 40;

Syphilis:

1. Polo Sanitário Hélio Cruz, Alcântara;
2. Polo Sanitário Jorge Texeira de Lima, Jardim Catarina;
3. Polo Sanitário Paulo Marques Rangel, Porto do Rosa;
4. Polo Sanitário Washington Luiz Lopes, Zé Garoto;
5. Polo Sanitário Augusto Sena, Rio de Ouro;
6. Clínica Municipal Gonçalense do Barro Vermelho;
7. Clínica da Família Dr. Jardel do Amaral, Venda da Cruz;
8. Clínica Municipal Gonçalense do Mutondo;
9. Clínica Municipal Euryclides de Jesus Zerbini, Arsenal;
10. Policlínica Gonçalense de Referência para Doenças Crônicas e Transmissíveis, Parada 40.

PrEP Access Points (no appointment needed – Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. To 5 p.m.)

1. Policlínica Gonçalense de Referência para Doenças Crônicas e Transmissíveis, Parada 40;
2. Polo Sanitário Hélio Cruz, Alcântara;
3. Clínica da Família Dr. Zerbini, Arsenal.

PEP Access Points (no appointment needed – Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. To 5 p.m.)

1. Polo Sanitário Hélio Cruz, Alcântara
2. Polo Sanitário Washington Luiz Lopes, Zé Garoto
3. Polo Sanitário Augusto Sena, Rio do Ouro
4. Polo Sanitário Paulo Marques Rangel, Portão do Rosa
5. Polo Sanitário Jorge Teixeira de Lima, Jardim Catarina
6. Clínica Gonçalense do Mutondo
7. Clínica Gonçalense do Barro Vermelho
8. Clínica da Família Dr. Zerbini, Arsenal
9. Policlínica Gonçalense de Referência para Doenças Crônicas e Transmissíveis

Urgent and Emergency Care, Daily After 5 p.m.

1. Pronto Socorro Central, Zé Garoto
2. Pronto Socorro Infantil (PSI), Zé Garoto – children up to 14 years
3. Umpa de Nova Cidade
4. Umpa do Pacheco

Rapid Testing Locations

1. Health posts (except the Neves Family Health Unit), Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. To 5 p.m. (excluding holidays);
2. Health centers – Hélio Cruz, Alcântara; Dr. Augusto Sena, Rio do Ouro; Paulo Marques Rangel, in Porto do Rosa; and Jorge Teixeira de Lima, in Jardim Catarina – Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. To 5 p.m. Washington Luiz, Zé Garoto, offers testing on Wednesdays, 8 a.m. To 5 p.m.;
3. Policlínica Gonçalense de Referência para Doenças Crônicas e Transmissívei, Parada 40, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. To 5 p.m.;
4. Clínica Gonçalense Dr. Zerbini, in Arsenal, open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. To 10 p.m., and Saturdays, 8 a.m. To 1 p.m.