Chinese government begins promoting condom use

The Chinese government has begun promoting the use of condoms to prevent the spread of HIV in the world's most populous nation, Agence France-Presse reports. The government is permitting advertisements promoting condom use in Beijing and in other areas already hit hard by HIV. About 80 HIV prevention posters have been placed in Beijing subway stations, with about 600 in subway cars, and more than 40 billboards have been erected in the nation's capital city. "China's State Administration for Industry and Commerce bans family planning products from being advertised," an unnamed official at China's Center for Disease Control told Agence France-Presse, adding, "The ban still exists, but condom ads that are aimed at preventing HIV/AIDS are allowed." China's CDC is also distributing free condoms in Beijing and in Guandong Province and is distributing brochures on how to prevent HIV infections in areas hard-hit by the disease.