Chile will launch the Social Condom Market project in March to bring condoms to the population at large, the country's Health Ministry said Thursday.

"Starting in March, there will be a pilot project in Santiago which could be extended to the rest of the nation," acting Health Minister Lidia Amarales said.

"The idea is to give access to condoms for vulnerable groups, including sexually active young people, especially in the middle and lower classes," she added.

Chile's Family Protection Association will oversee the distribution program, whose costs will be paid by the World Fund for the Fight Against AIDS.

The distribution program will begin with citizens living in west Santiago, where condoms will be sold in shops, bars, discos, markets and liquor stores at cheaper prices.

Source: Xinhua