Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 1995. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 1995. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
|
|
Reuters NewMedia, Inc. - 15 Sep 95
Ian Simpson
The advertising campaign began Thursday to persuade men to use condoms and stop the spread of AIDS.
Brazil has the greatest incidence of the deadly disease in Latin America, with 71,000 reported cases.
Health Minister Adib Jatene called the $5 million campaign "daring and aggressive" but necessary to combat the spread of acquired immune deficiency syndrome, which can be spread through sexual contact.
One of the television ads features a womanizing actor sitting in a bar talking with his unseen penis, named Braulio. Braulio says the place is full of attractive women.
"Fine, but if something happens today you have to wear a condom," the actor says.
"OK, you win. Get that condom quick because there is a brunette here that I really go for," Braulio replies.
A radio jingle performed by singer Genival Lacerda warns against anal sex without a condom.
"Braulio is a trickster, gross, intrusive and a rogue, he goes anywhere, he's a guy who likes his fun," he sings.
The secretary-general of the National Council of Brazilian Bishops, Raimundo Damasceno Assis, criticized the campaign as immoral and unethical.
"This (campaign) creates a false expectation that by using a condom you will be 100 percent protected," he said, adding that it could spur sexual promiscuity instead of increasing the use of condoms.
People called Braulio -- a not-uncommon family and first name -- flooded radio stations with complaints.
Sao Paulo law professor Braulio Monte Junior threatened to sue the Health Ministry over the choice, saying it could damage him professionally, O Estado de Sao Paulo daily said.
"At the minimum it's rude," he said, noting that he had 250 students. "I don't know how I'm going to be able to stand the jokes."
A ministry spokesman said a survey discovered Braulio was a common nickname for the penis. Other possible choices were Anastacio, Mauro, Oscar and Tonhao.
The radio spot is to air 12 weeks and the ministry plans a question-and-answer broadcast feature called "Ask Braulio." The television campaign, including a piece on how to put on a condom, lasts a month but ads run only after 9 p.m.
950915
RE950911
Copyright © 1995 - Reuters, Ltd. All rights reserved. Republication or redistribution of Reuters content is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Reuters. Reuters shall not be liable for any errors or delays in the content, or for any actions taken in reliance thereon. Contact Reuters.
AEGiS is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit, tax-exempt, educational corporation. AEGiS is made possible through unrestricted funding from Boehringer Ingelheim, Bridgestone/Firestone Charitable Trust, Elton John AIDS Foundation UK, the National Library of Medicine, AIDS Walk of Orange County, and donations from users like you.
Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 1995. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.
AEGiS presents published material, reprinted with permission and neither endorses nor opposes any material. All information contained on this website, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is often presented in summary or aggregate form. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.
Copyright ©1980, 1995. AEGiS. All materials appearing on AEGiS are protected by copyright as a collective work or compilation under U.S. copyright and other laws and are the property of AEGiS, or the party credited as the provider of the content. .