Brazil promotes use of condoms during Carnival

RIO DE JANEIRO – Health authorities in Brazil have kicked off their annual pre-Carnival AIDS awareness campaign by calling on revelers to use condoms during the five days of festivities.

The Health Ministry says it has handed out 84 million condoms over the past two months.

Health Minister Alexandre Padilha said Friday that this year's campaign will focus on young women who are beginning to have sex. He says they are "the most vulnerable to the HIV virus."

In a television ad that is part of the campaign one young woman is seen telling two of her friends: "Carnival is almost here so make sure to carry condoms. If you don't, then don't do it."