Health dept still awaiting condom information

JOHANNESBURG - The health department on Wednesday said it was still awaiting feedback from contacts in Britain about the reported 42 million condoms expected to be given to South Africa ahead of the Soccer World Cup.

"We are still awaiting confirmation on the details and numbers and once we have that we will release a statement," health spokesman Fidel Hadebe said.

On Tuesday, the Mail and Guardian reported that Britain planned to give South Africa 42 million condoms for an HIV prevention drive before the World Cup.

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.

"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."

- Sapa