HIV prevention and sex workers: an international lesson in empowerment

This article examines the impact and influence of advocacy on HIV prevention efforts among sex workers in India. A novel project initiated in Songachi, a red-light district in Calcutta, was instrumental in reducing the rate of new infections among sex workers and increasing the use of condoms to significant levels. The Songachi Project utilised methods and techniques that empowered this stigmatised, exploited and disenfranchised segment of the population. The impact of this World Bank-aided project was far-reaching; a key benefit is that it can be duplicated in developing countries around the world. Social workers involved in harm reduction initiatives and HIV/AIDS prevention efforts with at-risk groups like sex workers can develop their own prevention programmes utilising this model as presented here.