Services

Promotion of condoms, linkages to STI (Sexually Transmitted Infection) services and health services with a strong referral and follow up system.
a. Promotion/distribution of free condoms
b. Provision of basic STI and health
c. Linkages to other health services (e.g. for TB) and voluntary counselling and testing centres
(VCTC)
d. Provision of safe spaces (drop in centres or DICs)

Creating an Enabling Environment

a. Advocacy with key stakeholders/power structures
b. Crisis management systems
c. Legal/rights education

Community Mobilisation

Building community ownership of the TI’s objectives (Here “community” refers to the FSWs).
a. Collectivisation
b. Creation of a space for community events
c. Building capacity of FSW groups to assume ownership of the programme

Crisis response system

Harassment and violence towards FSWs are common and this causes a significant barrier to the HIV/AIDS outreach work of the project. When the obstacle of violence and harassment is removed through timely and proper crisis management and regular sensitisation and advocacy programmes, it creates an environment that is conducive to the FSWs, building up their self- esteem, which in turn helps them to focus more on their health specifically in relation to STIs and HIV/AIDS.

As part of a TI, crisis response interventions increase outreach to members of the HRG, thereby strengthening the NGO’s or CBO’s relationship with them and gaining their trust. Crisis response also facilitates the establishment of a good rapport between field workers and members of the HRG, which helps communication about prevention and treatment of STIs.