Ranawake CD; International Conference on AIDS.
Int Conf AIDS. 2002 Jul 7-12; 14: abstract no. G12653.
Institute for Development of Community Strengths, Colombo, Sri Lanka
ISSUES: a) Sex workers who belong to the lowest category seem to be more vulnerable and high risky in terms of STD and HIV/AIDS. b) These sex workers does not get a good income because they serve a special target group who belongs to the lower middle class or lower class. c) Lack of knowledge on STD, HIV/AIDS. DESCRIPTION: As a pilot project we launched a Business Development progrmme for sex workers in southern region of Sri Lanka. Start and Improve Your Business (SIYB) of International Labour Organization provided necessary technical assitance to conduct two types of training workshops. Generate your business ideas and start your business workshops. All training was individually conducted with the participatory methodology. As a result the sex workers were able to identify their own business. We managed to introduce suitable financial institutions to get assistance when ever possible. LESSONS LEARNED: Sex workers were very keen in attending training workshops which was not usual. Poor knowledge on STD, HIV/AIDS, condom usage etc. Willingness to commence new business for living counselling or close guidance can make changes among the sex workers. RECOMMENDATIONS: Provision of education on STD, HIV/AIDS, condom use is necessary for sex workers Confidential treatment is necesary for sex workers. They don't prefer to attend public clinics. Counsellors to be trained and introuced as to work among sex workers More and more NGOs, CBOs to be involved. Business development programmes introduced for sex-workers
Publication Types:
Keywords:
- Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome
- Behavior
- Condoms
- HIV Infections
- HIV Seropositivity
- Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
- Health Planning Guidelines
- Knowledge
- Organizations
- Pilot Projects
- Prostitution
- Sri Lanka
- education
Other ID:
UI: 102252020
From Meeting Abstracts