Beijing installs condom machines

The Chinese are among the world's least well informed about Aids

The authorities in China's capital Beijing have announced plans to install 1,000 new condom vending machines to fight the spread of HIV and Aids.

Machines selling high-quality condoms will be placed in hotels, bars and universities, Chinese media said.

They will also be installed on construction sites to target migrant workers from elsewhere in China.

The plans are part of a nationwide campaign to slow the spread of HIV, which affects some one million people.

Unofficial estimates are higher, experts say.

The UN says the number of HIV and Aids victims in China could quickly rise to 10 million if serious steps to fight the epidemic are not taken.

There are already 1,700 machines in the capital, many of which are often out of service or empty.

The authorities have said they will renovate those as well.

The new machines will dispense condoms for 1 yuan ($0.12) a piece and their quality will be guaranteed, Chinese media said.