The Chinese government has signed an order to purchase 305 million condoms for distribution throughout the country's hotels, China's largest condom manufacturer announced last week.

The Gaobang Latex Products Manufactory said the government purchased the condoms using special funds allocated for HIV/AIDS prevention programs.

The condoms have been sent to local sites of China's Center for Disease Control and Prevention and 42 hotels in the southern tourist city of Guilin, where Gaobang Latex is based. Condoms also will be made available at no cost in public entertainment venues, according to the manufacturer.

China already has launched condom use programs in Hubei, Yunnan and Jiangsu provinces, with plans to reach regions such as Fujian and Beijing.

Health officials have requested that condom use programs be implemented in all regions of the country.