In Gujarat, India AIDS/HIV prevention has led to some unconventional methods, namely the distribution of condoms and information about STDs in theaters specializing in adult entertainment.

The National Aids Control Organization (NACO) has tracked the increases in the spread of HIV and AIDS throughout India and has targeted the state of Gujarat in a new plan to spread sexual education and safety. Gujarat was noted by the organization as having a sizeable increase in its number of reported AIDS/HIV cases.

NACO has been focusing its efforts by investigating those areas that seem to be the root of the spread of disease. Much of the AIDS/HIV prevalence has been traced to laborers in the diamond and textile industries in Gujarat. It has also been found that many of these laborers are regular customers to the porn theaters being targeted with the condom and sexual information campaign.

The theaters tend to attract much of the state’s sex workers, thereby calling on the need for condoms. The sex workers are often paid to join the men inside the theaters or in nearby motels. Along with making condoms available in the theaters and in neighboring tobacco shops, the backs of movie tickets are being printed with information about STDs.

Another NACO project launched in April spread knowledge of and access to female condoms. The project brought excellent results in bringing protection to sex workers. Dispersing the female condoms has given prostitutes the option to protect themselves and others from disease without deterring business.

Until knowledge and concern regarding AIDS/HIV reaches priority in the population of laborers, the increased access to condoms for men and women and the prevalence of STD literature will help to prevent Gujarat from becoming one of the highest risk Indian states for the spread of AIDS/HIV.