Also, to bring more focus to the awareness programme, the organisation has begun mapping high-risk sites for sexually-transmitted diseases.

The map will identify sites like slums, redlight areas and colonies, where a high concentration of drug addicts, homosexuals and transsexuals reside.

“We are undertaking this study to determine where to conduct our projects. The mapping will help us design more projects so that we can help those who face a high risk of contracting sexually-transmitted diseases,” said Preeti Kumari, NGO Advisor, UPSACS. The locations have not been disclosed to ensure the safety of the marginalised groups.

In 2007, 24,000 beneficiaries were covered through 69 projects initiated by the target intervention group. This year, the number of projects has been increased to 91, targeting 24,311 female sex workers, 13,721 homosexuals and transsexuals and 11,851 injected drug users.

The projects, conducted with the help of NGOs, include peer education, counselling, free medicine and medical care on site, vocational training, creation of self-help groups and links with district level hospitals for severe medical cases.

According to a National Aids Control Organisation (NACO) official, the first of 600 condom vending machines to be installed in Kanpur will be set up on Monday.

As for Lucknow, the machines were supposed to be inaugurated in a mall on December 1 but was postponed due to official reasons.

The machines will allow users to buy condoms for Rs 5 for a pack of three in relative privacy.

The machines, which cost approximately Rs 10,000 have been procured from Hindustan Latex Family Planning Promotion Trust.

The state capital will obtain 250 machines while 350 will be installed at Kanpur.

The machines will be installed at malls, petrol pumps, theatres, public lavatories and general stores. They will also be installed at 15 factories and 50 model wine shops, said Shital Prasad, Assistant Director, Target Intervention, UPSACS.

Besides this, UPSACS will distribute free condoms to commercial sex workers, migrant labourers, NGOs and chief medical officers.

Back in 2006, as a pilot project, 100 machines were installed by UPSACS and NACO targeting 10 towns in the state.

Following its success, this year NACO expects a good response to the machines in the capital, but is cautious of the reactions from religious groups.

“The pilot project was a big success and we did not witness any opposition from the owners of the sites were the machines will be installed,” said Sanjay Goel, state marketing manager, technical support group NACO, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.