This posting from the ITPC list puzzles the [him] moderator. Aren't the needs of positive sex workers similar to the needs of other positive people? Even if there are special needs, the wide range of settings in which transactional and commercial sex takes place makes generalisation extremely difficult.

The [him] moderator knows he is being more provocative than usual in this posting. Comments?

[him] moderator

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I am undertaking some research for UNFPA on practical guidance on treatment, care and support needs for HIV-positive sex workers. The types of questions I am trying to answer and issues I am looking at include:

what sort of needs?
what is 'care' and 'support' in this context?
what is the effect of a HIV-positive diagnosis on continuing working and initiation of therapy?
responsibilities of health services, civil society to provide (equitable) access to treatment, care and support
keeping well while in sex work
sexual and reproductive health
other employment
stigma and discrimination
what do we need to advocate for?
what are the steps to getting the needs of HIV-positive sex workers onto the agendas of PLHIV organizations, civil society organizations, governments and UN agencies?

In addition to going through conference abstracts, grey literature and using search engines such as MEDLINE and PUBMED, I would be grateful if you culd contact me off-line with any information about projects and programmes that you may have, which are addressing any or all of these issues.

Thanks,

Andrew
doupe@hivnet.ch