The Private Sector Federation (PSF) has partnered with the association of hotels and restaurants in the country to minimize the spread of HIV by availing free condoms in the hotels.

According to Antoine Manzi, in charge of development and entrepreneurship, as part of a mandate for PSF, this advocacy event is part of a larger package of services comprised within a work place program implemented by PSF.

During a press conference on Monday at Top Tower Hotel, Manzi said that HIV/AIDS affects productive work force, reduces earnings and reduced production which in turn impacts the country’s development.

According to the 2005 demographic health survey, 80 percent of women and 90 percent of men understand the importance of condom use while 20 percent women and 75 percent men who engaged in high risk behaviour used condoms.

The collaboration will require all hotels to install condom machines in their establishment for easy availability and accessibility.

"The fight against AIDS requires public private partnership and that’s why as hotels management is concerned about the health of their clients and staff hence this partnership with government,” said Eric Nsanganya Chairman of the hotels association.

Ends