Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2005. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2005. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
Reuters NewMedia - December 2, 2005
City officials used cranes to unfurl shiny pink cloth over the monolith in a campaign promoting condom use to prevent infection with the HIV virus that causes AIDS.
"It seemed like we could have the biggest impact by putting a condom on the most important symbol of the city," said Sandra Castillo, an organizer of the campaign.
The obelisk, which is identical to the Washington Monument but smaller at 220 feet tall, is a popular tourist site.
Its colorful tip could be spotted from office buildings several blocks away.
Vilma Torres, an Ecuadorean tourist taking snapshots of the structure, said the sight was an unexpected surprise.
"You'd never see something like this in Ecuador," she said.
AIDS killed 66,000 Latin Americans in the past year, according to a U.N. report. In Argentina, the number of reported AIDS cases has fallen 45 percent since 1996, the Health Ministry said on Thursday, and the leading cause of infection was unprotected sex.
Esteban Jubitta, 18, considered the obelisk stunt in bad taste.
"Using this moment to make a sort of joke, it's showing a bit of lack of respect," he said.
051202
RE051211
Copyright © 2005 - Reuters, Ltd. All rights reserved. Republication or redistribution of Reuters content is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Reuters. Reuters shall not be liable for any errors or delays in the content, or for any actions taken in reliance thereon. Contact Reuters.
AEGiS is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit, tax-exempt, educational corporation. AEGiS is made possible through unrestricted funding from Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, Elton John AIDS Foundation, the National Library of Medicine, Pacific Life Foundation and donations from users like you.
Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 2005. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.
AEGiS presents published material, reprinted with permission and neither endorses nor opposes any material. All information contained on this website, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is often presented in summary or aggregate form. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.
Copyright ©1980, 2005. AEGiS. All materials appearing on AEGiS are protected by copyright as a collective work or compilation under U.S. copyright and other laws and are the property of AEGiS, or the party credited as the provider of the content. .