Free condoms for prostitutes

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)