School condom restriction accompanies US funding

US funds for HIV/AIDS in South Africa are not to be used for the promotion of condom use in schools, the local Star newspaper has reported. Mark Dybul, the deputy US global AIDS co-ordinator, announced an increase in anti-AIDS spending for the hard-hit nation from more than $150 million in 2005 to about $214 million at present. Dybul stressed, "This money is to support efforts aimed at preventing HIV infection, providing care and treatment for those infected, and to strengthen programmes aimed at orphaned and vulnerable children." The US has backed the ABC approach of abstain, be faithful, and correct and consistent condom use to combat AIDS. Among other provisos, it has stipulated that the funds "may not be used to physically distribute or provide condoms in schools; in marketing efforts to promote condoms among young people at schools".