HIV/AIDS Prevention Program among Street Based Sex Workers in Chittagong
| Coverage |
Chittagong City |
| Duration |
2002 to 2008 |
Situation
While Bangladesh is still a low prevalence area for HIV/AIDS, there are many factors that increase the nation's exposure to the rapidly spreading disease. These factors include the stigmatization and exclusion of street-based sex workers (SBSW), leaving them among the most vulnerable of the population. Since Chittagong is a port city with an active sex trade it is especially important to assess and educate the SBSWs concerning HIV/AIDS and STIs, as well as provide them with care, referral and support. It is approximated that there are at least 2000 SBSWs in Chittagong City .
Initiative
Two Integrated Health Centers (IHCs) have been set up to facilitate and combat the spread of STIs and HIV/AIDS in this area. The strategy for handling this situation comes in three major activities:
1. Advocacy & Education
Community support for the HIV/AIDS problem means sustainable change for vulnerable populations. YPSA advocates alleviating the potential endemic by:
- Distribution of public awareness materials
- Conduction of STI and HIV/AIDS awareness meetings with young people
- Organization of World AIDS Day activities' for mass awareness of STI and HIV/AIDS issues
2. Prevention
Prevention of HIV/AIDS occurs by educating street based sex workers and their clients through:
- Behaviour Change and Communication (BCC) workshops, as well as one to one sessions about STI and HIV/AIDS issues (e.g., condom demonstration) with SBSW and their clients ensures long term knowledge
- To make sure preventive measures are taken, there has presently been a distribution of over 500 000 male condoms and approximately1 800 lubricants to sex workers and their clients
- A safe space that gives emotional support and self worth for the sex workers by giving them workshops on empowerment, skill training, literacy and adult education
3. Treatment
Finally, free treatment of STIs and HIV testing which includes a medical doctor and a microbiologist make certain that there is hope for a street based sex worker's future. The services include:
- Pre & post test counseling
- HIV rapid tests with same day results
- Promotion of voluntary counseling and testing services
- Referral services for HIV positive individuals to care and support networks for people with HIV/AIDS
Outcomes
As the first NGO to celebrate World AIDS Day in Bangladesh , YPSA continues to break ground. YPSA's target was to reach 1 000 street-based sex workers and 15 000 clients of prostitutes in Chittagong ; the team has surpassed their goal by reaching 1 243 street-based sex workers, and 21 684 of their clients!
Presently, the project is providing STI services for every sex worker. As an ongoing process, the project aims to look beyond medical treatment and move into sustainable independence for sex workers by providing them with rehabilitation for underage sex workers, an education facility for children of sex workers, and income generating skills. YPSA recognizes that the focus should not solely lie on the women, and would like to open a drop in center for the clients of sex workers.
Supporting Organizations
Family Health International
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