The recall of defective free condoms issued by the South African government, along with last month's sudden suspension of a major vaccine trial, could have a disastrous effect on the fight against AIDS in the country, campaigners fear.

In August 20 million defective, locally manufactured condoms were recalled from circulation in South Africa, which has the world's highest burden of HIV and AIDS. The recall resulted in widespread panic and a political scandal, and then last month a second batch of millions of free condoms was also withdrawn.

Warren Parker, director of the Centre for AIDS Development, Research and Evaluation, said, “Having a second condom recall severely …