HIV urine test kits were offered for sale inside of a vending machine at Southwest Petroleum University in China's Sichuan Province. HIV test kits are usually sold at around 298 Chinese Yuan, or about $44, but were offered for the substantially more affordable price of 30 Chinese Yuan, or about $4.40 in the university vending machine.br br The HIV virus, which can be tra nsmitted through sexual contact or sharing of hypodermic needles, is quite contagious and very difficult and expensive to cure or treat. These facts have played a major role in creating a social stigma all over the world against the HIV virus itself and especially against people infected with the virus. br br The vending machines serve the dual role of providing cheap and easy tests for a sexually active population, but also to raise awareness about the issue itself.br br Perhaps infection rates can be lowered at least in part by a change in people's perceptions.