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Condoms will soon be reimbursed on prescription by French social security as part of a Health Ministry bid to combat sexually transmitted infections.

Health Minister Agnès Buzyn announced last week that - from Monday, December 10, up to 60% of one brand of male prophylactic - Eden, made by Majorelle - will be refunded if obtained by someone with a prescription.

In France, about 6,000 new cases of HIV infections are discovered every year, Ms Buzyn said. Between 800 and 1,000 new cases are in people under the age of 25.

Meanwhile, Majorelle said reimbursable condoms should make it possible to "achieve significant savings in the coming years", as the number of STIs falls.

At present, the cost of treating STIs is €2billion per year, including €1.6billion for HIV alone.