Washington city functionaries said that the projected distribution of female condoms free of charge will focus on regions of the city with high HIV rates.

The plan, which is a part of a major project destined to battle HIV and AIDS, will make Washington the first U.S. city to provide female condoms free of cost.

The female condoms will be offered at different locations including high educational institutions, beauty parlors and convenience stores in city wards 1, 2, 3, 6 and 7.

Functionaries added that the female condoms will permit women to have more control in defending themselves from the spread of deadly HIV and AIDS.

Shannon Hader, head of the District of Columbia HIV/AIDS Administration, stated, “Anywhere male condoms are available, female condoms will be available.”

“We're not saying that if you're a school in this area, you can't get female condoms. We're trying to make every effort count to build on what already exists ... to expand options rather than limit them,” Hader added.

The Post also said that the distribution segment of the project, funded by a MAC AIDS Fund grant, should start with the next three weeks. (With Input from Agencies)