Carnaval 2026: Saúde distribui 138 milhões de preservativos e reforça prevenção em Recife

As Brazil prepares for its vibrant Carnaval celebrations, public health officials are emphasizing preventative measures against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). During a visit to Recife on Saturday, February 14, 2026, Brazil’s Minister of Health, Alexandre Padilha, highlighted a significant initiative to ensure a safe and enjoyable Carnaval for all citizens.

Expanded Access to Protection

This year marks the first Carnaval where the Unified Health System (SUS) will offer two new types of condoms: textured (TEX) and ultra-thin (SENSI). These additions, incorporated in 2025, aim to increase condom usage, particularly among young people. The Minister’s visit to Recife included a breakfast meeting with representatives from the Galo da Madrugada bloco, where he reinforced the Ministry of Health’s combined prevention strategy.

Did You Know? In the three months leading up to Carnaval 2026, the SUS distributed 138 million condoms to states across Brazil to bolster supplies during the festival period.

Comprehensive Health Services Available

Padilha emphasized the extensive health resources available to support public safety during Carnaval. These include personnel from the Mobile Emergency Care Service (Samu), health posts, testing centers for syphilis and HPV, and vaccinations against HPV and measles. He stated, “We have professionals from Samu, care stations, testing posts for syphilis and HPV, as well as vaccines against HPV and measles.”

Preventative Measures Beyond Condoms

The Ministry of Health’s strategy extends beyond condom distribution. Padilha underscored the continued availability of both male and female condoms, as well as PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis). The comprehensive approach also includes vaccinations against hepatitis A and B and HPV, rapid testing for HIV, syphilis, and viral hepatitis, and PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis), which can be initiated within 72 hours of a potential exposure.

Expert Insight: The emphasis on a “combined prevention strategy” reflects a growing understanding in public health that relying on a single intervention is often insufficient to effectively address complex issues like STI transmission. Offering a range of options – from condoms and vaccines to PrEP and PEP – allows individuals to choose the methods that best suit their needs and circumstances.

Symbolism and Public Awareness

The Recife Carnaval also featured a unique public health message with the meeting of two versions of Zé Gotinha, the mascot of Brazil’s immunization campaigns. The original Zé Gotinha was joined by a giant version, Zé Gotão, created by local artist Miguel dos Bonecos. Together, they promoted vaccination and disease prevention throughout the streets of Recife and Olinda.

Padilha also highlighted the critical importance of early HIV diagnosis, stating, “Testing is an essential tool to save lives. The earlier the diagnosis, the greater the chance of starting treatment, improving quality of life and stopping the chain of transmission of the virus.”

Accessing Resources

Condoms are freely available at Basic Health Units (UBSs), Testing and Counseling Centers (CTAs), and mobile health initiatives during events like Carnaval. Rapid tests for HIV, syphilis, and viral hepatitis are also offered free of charge at UBSs and CTAs nationwide, providing confidential results. PEP is available within 72 hours of a potential exposure, following an assessment at a health facility.

Carnaval Safety Tips

Drink water to stay hydrated
Use sunscreen
If traveling to forested areas, get vaccinated against yellow fever
Protect yourself against HIV, hepatitis B and C, syphilis, and other STIs
Seek medical attention if needed

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find condoms and STI testing?

Condoms are distributed free of charge at Basic Health Units (UBSs), Testing and Counseling Centers (CTAs), and during health initiatives at events like Carnaval.

What is PEP and how do I access it?

PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis) can be started within 72 hours of a potential exposure to HIV, following an evaluation at a health service.

What other preventative measures are available during Carnaval?

The SUS offers vaccinations against hepatitis A and B and HPV, as well as rapid testing for HIV, syphilis, and viral hepatitis, in addition to condoms and PrEP.

As Carnaval celebrations unfold, will increased access to preventative resources and public health messaging translate into safer practices and reduced STI transmission rates?