China will
distribute 305 million condoms

The Chinese government plans to distribute 305 million free condoms throughout the country in an effort to slow rising HIV infection rates in the world's most populous nation, Xinhuanet reports. Gaobang Latex Products Manufactory will provide the condoms, which were purchased through government funds allocated for HIV prevention programs. The condoms will be distributed to regional Center for Disease Control and Prevention offices around the country as well as to 42 hotels in the South China city of Guilin, which is a regional tourist destination. Government officials say they also plan to make the free condoms available in public entertainment venues in areas of the country with high HIV infection rates and large at-risk populations. China reports that about 840,000 of its citizens are HIV-positive. United Nations officials believe that number is much higher and could reach as high as 10 million by 2010. (Advocate.com)