Project: improve access to high quality services regarding sexual and reproductive health and rights for female sex workers and their clients
Beneficiary: “International Centre for Reproductive Health” (ICRH)
Duration: 2010-2013
Budget: 553.046 euro
In the Moatize District is a clinic where personnel provides information and extension services regarding sexual health in the evenings. They offer these services to two specific target groups who are vulnerable to HIV/AIDS and STDs, namely female sex workers and truck drivers. In addition, the personnel of the clinic also treats STDs, tests people for HIV and syphilis, and offers contraceptives. The “International Centre for Reproductive Health” (ICRH) manages the clinic.
The specific goal of this project is to improve access to high quality services regarding sexual and reproductive health and rights for female sex workers and their clients.
The target group encompasses more than 4,500 female sex workers in the Tete region and their clients, mainly long-distance truck drivers. Sex workers run a high risk of infection with HIV/AIDS and disorders such as syphilis and gonorrhoea, but they often also fall victim to sexual violence, unwanted pregnancies, harmful vaginal practices and cervical cancer.
Sex workers are difficult to reach and have very limited access to social, legal and health services. These women are highly discriminated and stigmatised because of their activities as sex workers.
In 2011, a hospital was installed in Tete Province which provided special care for two groups at high risk of STDs and HIV/AIDS, namely long-distance truck drivers and sex workers. The clinic was strategically established in an accessible site. It is an important stop in the neighbourhood of Moatize, where drivers park to take a break.
These activities were started in the framework of a project that was financed by the German development cooperation (GTZ). Since 2004, the activities have continued and are being funded by the Government of Flanders.