S. Jana, D. Chowdhury, A. Singh, P.L. Chan, S.
Mukhopadhyay, R. Steen
Issues: PN is an important component of STI/HIV
interventions in sex work settings. Systemic implementation of PN can enhance
control of STIs in high transmission networks where partner turnover is high.
The Sonagachi Project, Kolkata, India is a recognized model STI/HIV
intervention reaching more than 7000 sex workers. It has successfully
established core public health interventions within a community empowerment
model where sex workers are mobilized to handle their problems and participate
actively in STI/HIV programs.
Description: Four categories of sexual partners of FSWs have
been identified in Sonagachi - regular clients, flying (once-off) clients,
Babus (cohabiting partners) & spouses.
PN was facilitated by the following approaches:
1) Introduction of ‘Babus’ as male peers for mobilizing
visiting clients for STI screening and promoting safe sex,
2) Establishment of evening clinic hours exclusively for
clients,
3) Coordination with health clinics outside brothels for
notification of spouses of both sex workers and clients
4) Regular sensitization of local private practitioners for
treating partners with index cases following National guidelines
5) Tracking regular and flying clients by highly motivated
and trained peers from sex worker community
6) Motivational counseling for sex workers visiting STI
clinics for concurrent PN
7) Mobilizing members of the sex workers’ community in
management of the STI clinics and monitoring of the STI services (the basis of
the empowerment approach).
Lessons learned: The community empowerment model implemented
in Sonagachi since 1992 has demonstrated multiple success in HIV prevention.
Consistent condom use is up to 85% and HIV prevalence among sex workers has
remained stable below 10%. Sonagachi has also established innovative methods of
PN with high rates of partner treatment, up from 40% in 2002 to 46% in 2007 (13
STI clinics).
Next steps: Sonagachi’s experience of implementing PN is
being adapted for use in other sex work settings across India.
Selected for poster presentation in AIDS 2008 - XVII International AIDS Conference
(Abstract no.
THPE0303)
