AEGiS-15IAC: Partner notification/PN remains a constant challenging issue in STD/HIV Intervention Projects of CSWs

AEGiS-15IAC: Partner notification/PN remains a constant challenging issue in STD/HIV Intervention Projects of CSWs - an observation & recommendation.

15th International AIDS Conference

Bangkok, Thailand - July 11-16, 2004

Partner notification/PN remains a constant challenging issue in STD/HIV Intervention Projects of CSWs - an observation & recommendation.

Int Conf AIDS 2004 Jul 11-16; 15:(abstract no. C10102)

Mukhopadhyay S
Social Organization for Research & Development/SORD, Calcutta, India

ISSUE: PN is a mandatory component of any STD/HIV Intervention activity of CSWs. It has emerged as a challenging issue with uninterrupted HIV transmission in India and close association between STDs and AIDS. BACKGROUND: My professional experiences in a number of red light areas/RLAs, street based STD clinics over a period of five years in Kolkata, Howrah, South 24 Parganas districts of West Bengal, India identified PN as the weakest point of intervention activities, accountable for 60-70% cases of relapse & drug resistance.

DESCRIPTION: CSWs of kolkata and neighbouring districts sexually interact with basically four categories of partners,1) Flying(70-80%),2) Fixed(20-25%),3) Lovers/'BABU'(15-25%)4) legally or socially married husbands(25-30%). Flying groups are difficult to be traced for their fleeting nature so PN is possible even less than 5% cases. Husbands can not be brought to STD clinics of RLA by SW wives as most of the time(98%) sex profession is chosen and continued without keeping husbands in the picture. PN is maximum (90-95%) in cases of fixed partners and lovers as these groups are easily tracable and live with the CSWs. A large number of CSWs( about 40%) regularly visit local physicians and quacks for sexual health problems but these healthcare professionals hardly bother PN.

RECOMMENDATIONS: Strategies adopted in Sonagachi RLA of kolkata has shown some positive results(more than 70%PN) but peripheral and marginalized RLAs are still far behind. Sonagachi strategies are as follows: 1) Peer education, mainly male peers specifically for PN. 2) Evening & afternoon STD clinics to cater services to 'Flying' groups. 3) STD clinic outside RLA for the family notification. 4) Organization of the 'Lovers' groups which motivate visiting customers to undergo STD screening and treatment on regular basis. 5) Sensitization of local practitioners towards proper PN.

Keywords: AEGIS, Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, HIV Seropositivity, Contact Tracing, Health Planning Guidelines, Observation, Research, India, Male, therapy, organization & administration

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C10102