AFEW: Annual Report 2001/2002 >> Health promotion among sex workers

Annual Report 2001/2002

Health promotion among sex workers

The number of sex workers has rapidly increased in the NIS during the last decade. Many girls, women, and their families continue to live far below the poverty line and often sex work is one of the few means by which they may earn an income. Large movements of girls and women from rural to urban areas, and the trafficking of girls and women across state borders by organised crime groups have become common features as well.

During 2002, AFEW recruited an international specialist on HIV/AIDS prevention among sex workers to start preparing initial programmes for this specific target group in Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan.

Strengthening decision making skills

In October 2002, AFEW began the implementation of a five-year pilot project to promote HIV/AIDS prevention and drug demand reduction among sex workers in Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan. They are at high risk of contracting and spreading HIV and STIs through unprotected sex and injecting drug use practices. Initial research in Uzbekistan indicates that as many as 30% of sex workers regularly inject drugs7. This programme will assess the public health situation and help local governmental agencies and NGOs develop and implement an appropriate and integrated response. The decision making skills of sex workers will be strengthened through counselling, peer support, outreach, and the provision of information materials. Self-help groups will be established to promote 'empowerment' strategies, support networks, and explore alternative employment skills and opportunities.

The project will work closely with existing health and law enforcement agencies to help address discrimination and stigma.