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Scaling up HIV/AIDS Prevention, Care and Treatment

Background, Scope & Goals


Vientiane, Khammouan, Xieng Khouang and Bolikhamxay have been identified as provinces where commercial sex workers (CSW) are prevalent, mostly as a result of the high number of entertainment venues and high levels of migration in and out of these areas. Working with CSWs in these provinces, the project aims to increase knowledge of safe sex practice and improve healthcare seeking behavior. The target groups for this project include ‘open’ sex workers in entertainment venues, bars/restaurants and karaoke clubs, as well as ‘hidden’ sex workers in hotels, guest houses, villages and those who operate using mobile phones. 


The main strategy of the project is to use peer-led Behavior Change Communication (BCC) activities to encourage CSWs to access referral systems for voluntary counseling and testing (VCT) and STI treatment. Additionally, education is completed through advocacy with the facilitating enabling environment, such as entertainment or shop settings, and peer education among CSWs. These strategies encourage the spread of information among CSWs, maximizing the number of CSWs reached.

 

Outcomes & Interventions

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  • Completion of community mapping to identify locations of CSWs

  • Education of local authorities such as police as well as enabling environments to educate their workers 

  • Training of CSWs as Peer Educators (PE) to work with fellow CSWs through counseling and referral

  • Development and distribution of comprehensive packages of Information, Education, Communication (IEC) materials

  • Condom demonstration and distribution in addition to creation of pamphlets to promote proper condom use

  • Promotion of referral system for VCT and STI treatment

  • Promotion of a signs and symptoms checklist

  • Assisting in conducting and establishing a radio program that answered listeners questions about sexual and reproductive health

  • Training of Outreach Workers who later provide PE follow up support and assist with PE meetings

  • Previous project outcomes and interventions also include the training of 130 CSWs as PEs and 1300 CSWs reached through PE Interpersonal Communication (IPC) and other outreach activities

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