Por PI, Damme WV, Kheang ST, Coppe JA, Ettema L, Crabbe F; International Conference on AIDS.

Int Conf AIDS. 2002 Jul 7-12; 14: abstract no. WePpF2117.

MSF Cambodia, Phnom Penh, Cambodia

ISSUES: In Cambodia, adult HIV prevalence decreased from 3.9% in 1997 to 2.8% in 2000 (among brothel-based female sex workers 31.5%). The predominant mode of transmission is commercial sex. We share our experience on how to reach sex workers at four STI clinics. DESCRIPTION: We provide STI care at four clinics in locations with a brisk sex industry: Svay Pak (approx. 300 sex workers), Sisophon & Poipet (approx. 400) and Siem Reap (approx. 200). Initially, three clinics catered for sex workers and the general population. In Siem Reap, the clinic focused exclusively on sex workers from the start. The clinics also do active condom promotion, including day and night-condom selling in entertainment establishments, and since 1999, give counselling and basic AIDS care. Since 2000, MSF has focused more exclusively on sex workers, and the clinics added social services, such as literacy classes, safe sex negotiation skill training and empowerment. After analysing the reasons for non-attendance by some sex workers, we decided (1) to extend the working hours; (2) to improve communication through outreach with sex workers and brothel owners; and (3) to provide transport from sex establishments to clinics. LESSONS LEARNT: In 2000, the four clinics sold over 2 million condoms and provided 13,016 STI consultations. The average monthly attendance rate of sex workers for STI screening, increased from 48% in 1999 to 80% in 2000 in Sisophon, Poipet and Svay Pak clinic. The Siem Reap clinic had on average 97% attendance. Self-reported condom use is well over 90%. Clinic staff reports improving self-esteem among sex workers. RECOMMENDATIONS: It is possible to achieve regular attendance by sex workers at STI clinics on a voluntary basis. But, such clinics have to focus on sex workers. In our experience, to set up a clinic specifically for sex workers, as part of a wider social and educational programme, and making access as easy as possible, has contributed the most to our success.

Publication Types:

• Meeting Abstracts

Keywords:

• Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome
• Adult
• Ambulatory Care Facilities
• Behavior
• Cambodia
• Condoms
• Counseling
• Female
• HIV Infections
• Humans
• Mass Screening
• Prevalence
• Prostitution
• Safe Sex
• manpower
• prevention & control

Other ID:

• GWAIDS0017075

UI: 102254573

From Meeting Abstracts