Free condoms for prostitutes

SAMARINDA, East Kalimantan: The city's health office has distributed more than 15,000 condoms to workers in a local red light district in its drive to prevent the spread of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

The move was taken two months after the authorities discovered that one prostitute had contracted the deadly virus after all occupants were given blood tests.

The brothels that were the first official targets are located on Kilometer 10 between Samarinda and Balikpapan, the Antara news agency reported. The complex is inhabited by 529 prostitutes managed by 40 pimps.

There are 24 centers of prostitution in East Kalimantan and nearly 5,000 prostitutes. In addition, some 2,000 women are believed to be practicing the world's oldest profession outside these complexes. (emb)