Govt to pass out free condoms

SAMARINDA, East Kalimantan: In conjunction with World AIDS Day that fell on Dec. 1, the East Kalimantan Provincial Health Office has decided to distribute 12,560 free condoms to brothels in the province.

"The condoms will be distributed immediately to commercial sex workers, because they are an affected community with a high exposure to HIV/AIDS," Ridwan Masrun, head of the health office, said on Wednesday.

At least 96 people are living with HIV/AIDS in the province, a sharp increase compared to last year, when people living with HIV/AIDS numbered only 30.

The free condoms are part of an HIV/AIDS campaign initiated by the provincial health office. -- JP