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CD to spread AIDS awareness messages

Staff Reporter

Condom vending machines to be set up at public places

PUDUCHERRY: The AIDS Control Society is in the process of setting up condom vending machines in public places in Puducherry, especially those that are frequented by youth within a few months' time," Gilbert Fernandes, Project Director, Pondicherry AIDS Control Society (PACS), has said.

"There are a couple of companies that make these machines, and one company has even demonstrated it to us. Normal vending machines distribute three condoms for Rs.5. But, we are looking for a machine that vends one piece for one Rupee so that the temptation to use the remaining will not be there."

"Locations like bus stands and cinema theatres could be our target. We will install it in four or five places in the beginning and then expand it to other places," he told The Hindu on the sidelines of the release of an audio CD on HIV/AIDS.

Speaker R. Radhakrishnan, who released the audio C.D., said, "Puducherry is fast growing as a tourist centre. So, a chance for the spread of the disease is there. We need to focus on protective methods."

Mr. Radhakrishnan, who attended a Commonwealth programme on AIDS held at Africa recently, said that about 59 lakh people were affected by the disease in the country. People should subject themselves to a blood test before marriage.

B. Sridevi, Chairperson, Pondicherry Municipality, said that people must avoid having extra marital sex and the Government must eliminate prostitution centres.

K. Subbaiah has composed the songs for the CD and Shinioli Track Advertising has designed the concept.

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