World AIDS day marked with Rallies and installation of Condom Vending machines

On behalf of the World AIDS day, the Andhra Pradesh State AIDS Control Society (APSACS) and the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) organized an AIDS awareness rally which was participated by students from school and colleges and various corporate and NGO's. It was estimated that in the year 2004, more than 4.9 million people are infected with HIV and more than 75% of them died and it is estimated that by 2010 more than 75 million people will be infected by HIV. The survey also showed that more than 50% of the infected are young people and are from the urban areas.

Condom vending machines were installed in various places in the city of Chennai in Tamilnadu. The vending machines were installed in cinema theaters and shopping malls. The vending machines will give a pack of condom for a 5 ruppee coin. The move of installing vending machines was initiated by the Health ministry inorder to reduce the stigma of shyness involved in buying condom from shops. This vending machines are installed in a view that the use of condom is increased which can reduce the spread of infectious diseases including HIV.