SOCIAL MOBILIZAnON AND CONDOM PROMOnON AMONG SEX WORKERS IN NAZARETH, ETHIOPIA

Abstract

SUMMARY: To combat the steady increase in HIV prevalence among women who practice multi-partner sexual contact (MPSC females), a pilot programme to create a etwork of MPSC females who can provide peer education on AIDS was undertaken in Nazareth, Ethiopia. 98 group leaders were chosen from among the estimated 2000 MPSC females in Nazareth, and trained to provide education on AIDS using specially designed counseling cards and to distribute condoms to their peers, selling them for a nominal fee. Education sessions for the local male population and local bar owners were also conducted. Community Health Agents (CHAs) and core programme trainers from Nazareth provided technical support. An initial review after six weeks of programme implementation revealed a reported increase in condom usage and an increased level of knowledge about AIDS and AIDS transmission and prevention. Programme expansion to 23 other urban areas in Ethiopia, including Addis Ababa, is in progress.