AEGiS-14IAC: Case study on best practices for HIV/AIDS prevention among sex workers in Latin America.

14th International AIDS Conference

Barcelona, Spain - July 7-12, 2002

Case study on best practices for HIV/AIDS prevention among sex workers in Latin America.

Int Conf AIDS 2002 Jul 7-12; 14:(abstract no. D11149)

Pimenta CM, Kemel L, Lacerda S, Longo P, Serafim D, Stanton J, Parker RG
State University of Riode Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

ISSUES: This UNAIDS funded activity for the identification of projects for HIV/AIDS prevention with male and female sex workers in Latin America did not mean to legitimate a unique model, but to identify and document successful experiences and the improvement of involved organisations and projects. This exercise used the opportunity to discuss project strategies and activities within sex worker groups, and assess the applicability of replication of identified experiences within CSWs considering the local cultural and social realities and the existing possibilities to fight against HIV infection.

DESCRIPTION: Identify projects directed to sex workers in the Region; Conduct Best practices workshop in Rio de Janeiro ( june6-8 2001);select 5projects to be presented for case studies; report on Best Practices for CSWs in Latin America. Participant countries: Honduras,Peru,Dominican Republic,Ecuador,Argentina and Brazil. Lessons learnned: Under the UNAIDS criteria for Best Practices,Sustainability was considered a priority. The concept of political sustainability and establishing partnerships with private sector,public organisations, politicians and specially with the health system was discussed. Ethical soundness of projects was emphasized, as sex workers are often subjects of research or used by the media, causing overexposure and discrimination. Successes and failures identified were related to condom use,client and health professional approaches,and alcohol and drug use. Reccommendations: Social organisation of CSWs such as unions, associations and NGOs is the intial necessary step, and aiming to improve self- esteem and to empower sex workers as persons-citizens and not as health promoters or agents is important. Themes to guide empowerment and educational activities: self -esteem,life valorization,and citizenship, and, access to adequate health services. As sex work is related to criminality there is need to work with the justice /police departments.

Keywords: AEGIS, Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, Prostitution, HIV Infections, HIV Seropositivity, Safe Sex, Learning, Latin America, Memory, Dominican Republic, Argentina, Brazil, Ecuador, Peru, Honduras, Human, Female, Male

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