The world-renowned symbol of the HIV/AIDS awareness movement - a doubled-over red ribbon - hung from the emblematic statue of Christ the Redeemer situated at the top of a promontory outside Rio de Janeiro. The red AIDS ribbon hung from the huge statue overlooking Brazil's largest city, while the Brazilian government announced plans to introduce condom-dispensing machines in public schools.

Two Brazilian government agencies, in cooperation with the United Nations, had sponsored a nation-wide contest for students to design a dispenser. According to the government-run news agency, three models were selected this week. The machines are slated to be installed in 100 public schools in 2009.

The Brazilian health minister said earlier this week that students as young as 13 are the targets of the government's anti-AIDS scheme. According to the National Program of Sexually Transmitted Diseases, nearly 70,000 cases of AIDS were found among Brazilians under 24 years of age; that is, about 16 percent of cases reported in Brazil. The country provides free AIDS medication.

The 130 foot-tall statue of Christ stands at the summit of the Corcovado mountain and has been an icon of modern Brazil for 75 years. In recent weeks, Christ the Redeemer was illuminated at night with blue lights to call attention to those suffering from diabetes.

Source :- speroforum