A group of students in Da Nang have created a vending machine that dispenses condoms free of charge to spare people the embarrassment of openly buying them at stores in the quite conservative country.

While automatic condom dispensers are not uncommon in several countries around the world, the machine students of Duy Tan University, whose campus is located in Da Nang, have made is arguably the only of its kind in Viet Nam.

The machine, currently installed in front of the office of the Hai Chau District chapter of the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union, is as simple as a metal box with a button and a tray for the barrier devices to come out.

A condom distribution machine

There are also a screen displaying the number of condoms left in stock and a small slot for cash donations to help finance the machine’s operation.

The condom dispenser issues announcements to encourage the use of contraceptives or give warnings when someone tries to take too many condoms at a time, according to newswire VnExpress.

It will also say thanks to anyone who puts money into the donation slot.

The machine will automatically alert its creators via text messages whenever it runs out of condoms. It also tracks the number and time used for statistical purposes.

Since its installation on December 31, about 20 people have used the machine on a daily basis, VnExpress quoted the students, majoring in electrical and electronics engineering, as saying.

Interestingly enough, the machine received the most users between midnight and 5:00 am the following day, suggesting that even with a vending device, Vietnamese people are still red-faced when it comes to buying a condom.

However, Nguyen Cong Tin, the team leader, believes that the machine will increase the number of condoms used, helping reduce unwanted pregnancies or abortion.

The students also hope to be able to install more machines at public places in Hai Chau and Lien Chieu District in the near future.

(Source: Tuoitrenews)