Two hundred smart condom vending machines have been installed in entertainment venues, wet markets, residential buildings and business centers in Xuhui District and Pudong in recent days to mark World AIDS Day, which falls on Wednesday.

Instead of using money, the new machines use smart cards, which are distributed to residents and entertainment workers for free.

"It is still a pilot move and will be promoted to more regions if it works successfully. We want local people to have more convenient access to condoms and protection," said Wei Longgen, an official from the Shanghai Population and Family Planning Commission.

So far, the commission has distributed 10,000 such cards to entertainment venues and residential areas through district-based facilities.

Officials said employees check the machines and restock them on a regular basis. There is also a hot line phone number printed on the machines for contraceptive knowledge and AIDS consultation.

The commission has established 16,000 free condom distributing spots in the city.

"Among those spots, there are 1,185 centers providing 24-hour service. They are located in residential areas, wet markets and office buildings. It is a great convenience for locals," said Wei.

Currently, about 19.5 percent of locals use condoms, up from just 9.11 percent in 1995.     

(Shanghai Daily November 30, 2004)