Abstract Book Vol. 2 [International Conference on AIDS (14th: 2002: Barcelona, Spain)]

226 Abstracts WePeE6570-WePeE6574

XIV International AIDS Conference

WePeE6570 Using law to influence public opinion and support
for women in sex work in the context of HIV and
AIDS in South India
R.W. Robert Wilson, G. Chittammal, T Mary, G. Mallika, S. Nataraj, P. Prema,
K. Rekha, P. Saroja, M. Selvi, PR Shanthi. Institution(siaap), 4, 1 st street,
Kamaraj avenue, Adyar, Chennai, Tamilnadu
Background: Since the emergence of HIV as a public health threat in India,
women in sex work have been increasingly targeted as the cause for the spread.
Violence against them by the police has increased. Using the law is effective to
protect the human rights of women in sex work.
Methods:
- Identifying cases of violence against women in sex work in different areas, meeting women and discussing the issue
- working with local sex work collectives to sensitize women in sex work on their
legal rights
- sensitizing local lawyers with respect to rights of women in sex work
- supporting women in sex work to file complaints against police violence
- assisting women in sex work to prepare legal cases with appropriate lawyers
- sensitization of police, court clerks, magistrates, judges etc.
- publicising judgements against violence among women, lawyer, police and judiciary
- mobilizing doctors to document medical evidence of violence
- helping women access health services.
Results:
- 24 cases of violence challanged and won; 6 in court
- gender sensitization critical for police and judiciary
- women have to be psychologically supported right through the legal process;
otherwise, they wili give up
- simultaneous sensitization and education of women in sex work with respect to
legal rights is important
- ongoing support for counselling, education of children, access to health services and civil supplies are critical to give women the confidence to challenge
violence.
Conclusions:
- documentation and publicization of the legal cases is ongoing
- NGOs trained to use law and address violence against women in sex work. a
public interest litigation challenging violence against women in sex work is under
preparation.
Presenting author: Angeline Robert Wilson, 4, 1 st street, Kamaraj avenue, Adyar, Chennai, Tamilnadu, India, Tel.: [phone], Fax: [phone],
E-mail: [email protected]
WePeE6571I HIV/AIDS risk perceptions and prevention among
Commercial Sex Workers (CSWs) in Cameroon
E.C. Kiawial,2, T Nyama 2 1'University of Yaounde, Yaounde, Cameroon;
2Cameroon Psychology Forum, Yaounde, Cameroon
Background: Study sought to understand risk perceptions among Yaoundebased CSWs and to explore the range of approaches used by this group to minimise vulnerability to sexual risk. The study also examined among others, constraints to embracing safer sex practices and behaviour modifications despite a
universal awareness of HIV/AIDS among the CSWs.
Methods: Basically qualitative and utilising Focus Group Discussions (FGDs), the
study was conducted between Feb. and April 2001. Ten focus sessions grouping
on an average 11 discussants per sitting were held. Session participants were
drawn from consenting CSWs in catchment clusters of prostitution randomly selected in the city of Yaounde. Data collected was analysed with the help of EthnographS. In addition, a content analysis was conducted reaching deductive conclusions.
Results: Individuals falling into the low HIV/AIDS risk perception category reported an erratic and inconsistent condom use, while those of the high risk perception bracket stood firmly for a consistent and an unconditional use of condoms
for all sexual events. Data revealed a significant adoption of a culture of condom
use in professional but not in private life sex situations. In spite of strong barriers against, condom use still remained integral to commercial sex negotiations.
However, condom use with domestic partners appeared complex and problematic. CSWs also saw themselves to be holders of dual identities: professional and
private life identities with pragmatic and conceptual differences that impacted on
how HIV/AIDS prevention matters were acted out in each case.
Conclusion: HIV/AIDS prevention programmes among CSWs in Cameroon need
to shift emphasis, from the stereotype promotion of a condom culture to an insistence on a more consistent and proper use of the device both in professional and
extra-professional circumstances.
Presenting author: Emmanuel Chia Kiawi, POBox: 8030, Yaounde, Cameroon,
Tel.: [phone], Fax: [phone], E-mail: [email protected]

WePeE6572 A comparative analysis of brothel-based
commercial sex work in cities and 'junction towns'
in Nigeria and its implications for HIV prevention
Z. Akinvemi, A. Ankomah, O. Ladipo, T. Odusote, J. Anyanti. Society for Family
Health, Society for Family Health, P0.O box 71323, Victoria Island, Lagos, Nigeria
Background: In Nigeria where the HIV epidemic is comparatively low, interventions among sex workers may be particularly useful. For programmes to be effective, interventions need to be tailored to suit relevant groups of sex workers. The
main objective of this paper, based on nationwide survey, is to highlight the differences in terms of demographic characteristics and HIV risk behaviours between
brothel-based sex workers in cities and those operating at 'junction towns'.
Methods: A multi stage sampling design was used to select 2,578 sex workers. The headquarters of Nigeria's six health zones and Lagos were purposely
selected and junction towns were randomly selected. In each location, brothels
were systematically selected, then a proportionate number of respondents were
systematically selected in each brothel. Interviews were conducted in appropriate
local languages.
Results: There are significant differentials between sex workers who operate in
cities and those in 'junction towns'. Sex workers in cities, on the whole, are significantly more educated and sophisticated, and hence charge higher fees. Those
in junction towns have significantly lower HIV risk perceptions than those in the
cities, and are also less likely to use condoms. Since clients are mostly long distance drivers, a at risk group, 'junction town' women are particularly vulnerable to
HIV infection. Some of their clients were reported as trusted 'regular customers'
and respondents felt condom use was not necessary; especially since condom
negotiation is said to be time consuming for them in a business where time is
'money'.
Conclusions: Given the key differentials in both demographic and behavioural
characteristics, HIV risk reduction programmes must address the needs of each
group of sex workers separately. In addition, programmes with sex workers in
junction towns are likely to be successful if long distance drivers, their main clientele, are included.
Presenting author: Zaccheus Akinyemi, Society for Family Health, P.O. box
71323, Victoria Island, Lagos, Nigeria, Tel.: [phone], Fax: +234 1
7744522, E-mail: [email protected]
WePeE6573 Advocacy to reinforce co-ordination of
interventions targeted mobile and sexually
vulnerable populations in Cote d'lvoire
M. Ayokoin', B. Vuylsteke2, V. Ettiegne-Traor62, M. Coulibaly3,
J. Danho-Bassimbie4, S. Tamany4. 1PPP ppp, 04 b.p. 2113, abidjan 04, Cote
dIvoire; 2Projet RETRO-CI, Abidjan, Cote dIvoire; 3AIDS Ministry, Abidjan, Cote
dIvoire; 4UNFPA, Abidjan, Cote dIvoire
Issues: The interventions targeted towards vulnerable groups having multiple
sexual partners are a priority in the struggle against the AIDS epidemic in Cote
d'Ivoire. In 1991 the government and WHO/GPA initiated among FSW and their
clients a project offering preventive education, access to condoms and care for
sexually transmitted infections. In 1994 the prevention program had reached sexually vulnerable populations in 9 of 10 districts of Abidjan and supported similar
projects in two other cities: Bouake and Daloa. In 1998 and 1999 these interventions were enlarged to the cities of San-Pedro and Aboisso.
Description: Expansion of the project is supported by collaboration between international, regional and national organizations. After analysis of the situation in
each city, local resources were identified to animate the project. The strategy developed in Abidjan based on the social mobilization of community leaders and
organizations, education sessions and peer educators has been retained.
Lessons learned: The intervention reaches more than 340 prostitution sites in
Abidjan, 195 in Bouake, 177 in Daloa, 211 in San-Pedro, and 46 in Aboisso. The
experience acquired in Abidjan has permitted the introduction of innovations in
the others cities, in areas such as the targeting of clients of FSW, the organization of education, peer education, and medical care. Decentralization of activities
in Abengourou and Yamoussoukro, and a more active role by peer educators in
the program continued with the support of UNFPA, French Cooperation and Belgian Cooperation.
Recommendations: The experience of these 5 cities serves to expand the program to the country's large cities. The community approach to prevention and
care could be integrated in the strategies of AIDS ministry. Collaboration, as seen
between the different organizations involved in the program, is possible and encouraged in the fight against AIDS.
Presenting author: m ayokoin, ppp, 04 b.p. 2113, abidjan 04, Cote d'Ivoire, Tel.:
[phone], Fax: [phone], E-mail: [email protected]
WePeE6574 AIDS/HIV knowledge and risk behaviors among
three classes of female sex workers in Vietnam

M.N. Le. San Francisco State University 346 First Street #301, San Francisco,
California, 94105, United States
Background: The goal of this study is to help stem the spread of HIV/AIDS in
Vietnam by advancing the understanding of critical factors for the development of
effective preventive interventions with three occupational classes of sex workers
in Ho Chi Minh City.