42 Million Condoms Being Sent to South Africa for Wolrd Cup

(MYFOX NATIONAL) - British officials will spend millions of dollars on protection as up to half a million people travel to South Africa for the month-long soccer World Cup.

The New York Daily News reports that the money is to help prevent the spread of HIV. Officials’ concern is spurred by the news that 40,000 prostitutes are being sent for the soccer tournament.

South African President Jacob Zuma made the plea for help during a recent visit to meet the queen, according to The UK Guardian . Zuma said that fans would spill into neighboring countries with high HIV rates, leading to a greater need for precautions.

The Guardian states that the South African government estimates up to a half a million visitors could travel to the country. South Africa’s Central Drug Authority warned that 40,000 prostitutes will likely be among the visitors.

An estimated 5.7 million South Africans are living with HIV and the nation has about 1,400 new HIV infections and nearly a thousand AIDS deaths each day.

The new reports come during controversy alleging that South African officials do not take the threat seriously enough.

Zuma was tried on charges of raping an HIV-positive family friend in 2006 and poked fun at because he said he took a shower after sex to lower the risk of infection. The Guardian reported that earlier this year he did not use a condom when having sex with the daughter of a family friend, who gave birth to his 20th child.