While customers in India are captive in their barbers' chairs, they may receive advice on preventing AIDS.

The country has trained some 10,000 barbers in sterilizing their instruments and promoting condom use. According to the Associated Press, they have been equipped with condoms and pamphlets on AIDS prevention.

In India's conservative society, talking about sex is not acceptable. Hair-cutting shops are places of conversation and socializing, with barbers often used for spreading news.

These AIDS tutors are taught to recognize symptoms of AIDS and answer questions about the disease.

If a barber believes someone has signs of the disease, he can refer the customer to an AIDS clinic.