France to fight AIDS with 20-cent condoms

0 Comments | AFP, November, 2006

PARIS (AFP) — The French government said it would make 10 million cut-priced condoms available in high schools, night clubs, cinemas and hospitals to try to combat the spread of HIV-AIDS. Health Minister Xavier Bertrand said the campaign aimed to ensure safe-sex becomes "a reflex", with condoms to go on sale for 20 euro cents (25 US cents) in 20,000 outlets around the country from early next year.

The condoms will also be available in thousands of tobacconist shops, newsagents and pharmacies. According to the French sanitary institute INVS, 6,700 new cases of HIV were reported in France in 2005, compared to 7,000 the previous year. A quarter involved homosexuals, according to the INVS, which warned of a recent rise in high-risk behaviour among the gay population. In more...