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Author: B. Kalanda
Source: Eldis
Sex work has increasingly become a popular means of making money for young girls in the urban areas in Malawi. This article makes reference to an intervention project in Malawi that was implemented in 2004 and sought to empower sex workers and to encourage them to insist on consistent use of condoms.
The messages were also designed to encourage the young sex workers to modify their behaviour and withdraw from the practice.
The paper states that during the intervention, there was an increase in sex workers' knowledge of HIV and AIDS and other sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) issues. There was also an increase in the capacity of sex workers to address HIV and AIDS and other SRHR issues affecting them and their fellow sex workers. Furthermore, those with sexually transmitted infections (STIs) were encouraged to seek medical treatment in time.
The article draws the following conclusions:
- sex workers have got a role to play in the fight against HIV and AIDS, and they are willing to play this role if they are supported and protected
- the use of sex worker peer educators has proven to be an effective way to reach out to fellow sex workers with HIV and AIDS and other SRHR related messages
- proprietors of entertainment places have also proven to be valuable partners in the fight against HIV and AIDS
- governments should work with its partners to provide for HIV and AIDS services to sex workers as with other vulnerable populations.
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