South Africa Buys 97 Million Condoms

CAPE TOWN, South Africa — The government said Monday it had bought 97 million condoms for free distribution to fight the rapid spread of HIV, the virus that causes AIDS.

Health Minister Nkosazana Zuma told Parliament that a soaring HIV infection rate could reverse post-apartheid gains in health care, welfare services, economic development and education.

More than 600,000 of South Africa's 39 million people are infected with HIV, according to Health Department figures.