Britain announced Tuesday 1.1 million euros (1.5 million dollars) in aid to South Africa for the purchase of condoms to tackle HIV and AIDS in the world's worst-affected country ahead of the 2010 World Cup.

The money is to bolster the host's condom supplies, a move health officials predict will be necessary amid the tournament's "spirit of festivity."

Britain said the aid, announced shortly after a visit to London by South African President Jacob Zuma, would help the country's aim to buy one billion condoms at a time the AIDS fight has been hit by the economic downturn.

"As a consequence we face the very real prospect that progress on tackling  HIV will go into reverse," said international development minister Gareth  Thomas. "That is why (Britain) is supporting South Africa's leadership and drive to  turn the tide on their epidemic."

An estimated 5.7 million of South Africa's 48 million people have HIV,  including 280,000 children, according to the UN AIDS agency.
 

source: AFP