UK to give SA 42m condoms
2010-03-09 21:44
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Johannesburg - Britain plans to give South Africa 42 million condoms for an HIV prevention drive before the Soccer World Cup, the Mail and Guardian reported on Tuesday.
This was in response to a request by President Jacob Zuma for an extra billion condoms for the expected influx of thousands of soccer fans.
He had asked for British help during his recent visit to the UK to meet Queen Elizabeth II.
"Obviously there's a big focus on the World Cup coming up and a huge increase in the number of people coming into South Africa," the UK's International Development Minister, Gareth Thomas, was quoted as saying.
Thomas was expected to announce the £1m funding at an emergency summit in London on Tuesday.
"The South Africans have identified themselves the need to get more condoms in place. South Africa specifically asked for British assistance and we are responding to that request."
Health spokesperson Fidel Hadebe could not comment until he received feedback from his British contacts.
Presidency spokesperson Jackson Mthembu was not immediately available for comment.
- SAPA