The government will also distribute new syringes and methadone, a substitute drug used to treat morphine and heroine addiction, the China Daily said, citing the health ministry.

The measures are aimed at addressing prostitution and intravenous drug abuse, which are the two top causes of HIV/AIDS transmission in China, according to the paper.

The plans have not encountered universal approval, as some officials and citizens fear that they will simply encourage activities that lead to the spread of the deadly virus, the paper said.

While the paper reported no timetable for the measures, they appeared to be long-term projects still far from realization.

For instance, it will be another two years before the central province of Hubei completes the installation of condom dispensing machines at all entertainment venues and hotels.

Most of those infected with HIV in the mainland are among high-risk groups, including drug users, blood sellers and prostitutes.

But the disease is also spreading to other sectors of the population and is growing at a sharp rate of 30 percent a year.

The government estimates there are 840,000 people infected with HIV/AIDS, but international experts believe the total number of infections is much higher and have warned there could be 10 million cases by 2010.

Activists say nearly 90 percent of those infected do not know they have the disease.

TERRA.WIRE