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Abstract
Creating a safe space and setting up a STI clinic as a tool to reduce incidence of HIV and control of STIs among male sex workers in Mumbai
V. Anand1, K. Shetty2, S. Mane3
Issues: Men in sex work especially in MSM community are much ignored area of work. A baseline study of The Humsafar Trust showed that 25% of MSM have sex with other men in exchange for cash. A needs assessment showed that stigma related to sexuality, sex work, sexual behavior and HIV status made access to health services difficult.
Description: Humsafar Trust with technical support from FPAI and Family Health International is implementing Aastha Project to reduce incidence of STI/HIV among female, male and transgender (TGs) sex workers (SWs) in Mumbai as part of the India AIDS Initiative (Avahan) of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. It has set up a Drop In center and a STI clinic to provide safe space, confidentiality and quality health care services to male sex workers. A community led outreach team was appointed for outreach on 18 sites. In the first 30 months of the project 1,897 sex workers visited the clinic of which 414 visited once and 1483 access services regularly. Health camps and two satellite clinics at six locations helped increase access. Advocacy efforts initiated with police and health care providers reduced harassment and discrimination. 41 support groups and 24 Task force committees formed to address crisis situations with community people
Lessons learned: Community-based approach and creation of safe space has led to increased access to STI services and community empowerment.
Next steps: Addressing stigma related issues will increase access to Drop in Center and STI clinic. Ongoing capacity and skills building of community will lead to sustainability.
AIDS 2008 - XVII International AIDS Conference
Abstract no.
THPE0344
Suggested Citation
"V.Anand, et al.
Creating a safe space and setting up a STI clinic as a tool to reduce incidence of HIV and control of STIs among male sex workers in Mumbai.
:
AIDS 2008 - XVII International AIDS Conference:
Abstract no.
THPE0344"
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