Argentina Plans to Give Out 82 Million Condoms

Has about 5,500 new cases of HIV each year

Argentina plans to give out 82 million condoms nationwide in 2013 in a campaign against sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV, the health ministry said Friday.

The condoms will be handed out at health centers, schools, prisons, bars and nightclubs, as well as through a network of nearly 3,000 fixed spots at public agencies.

The free distribution of condoms — and of 17 million lubricating gels — aims to "ensure access to preventative methods against sexually transmitted diseases," the ministry said in a statement.