-- Zimbabwean hairdressers will give free condoms to their clients under an innovative program to reduce HIV infection, backed by a $37 million grant from the British government.

The hairdressers have been recruited under a five-year campaign to reduce new infections by increasing testing and encouraging safer sex.

More than 1,000 hairdressers have received training on giving their clients advice about sexual matters and on how to sell male and female condoms.

A volunteer working for spreading HIV/AIDS awareness told the Guardian: "The salons are conductive environments where women can feel free to speak about HIV-related issues. Our hairdressers are very enthusiastic about the positive social role they can play," said Yasmin Madan, of PSI in Harare.

Last year over half of all female condoms were distributed through the network of 700 beauty salons in low-income areas, The Guardian reported.

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