|
Whether illegal or legal, prostitution exists all around the world, a fact that became evident with the arrival of the HIV/AIDS pandemic. One also learned there is a greater danger of customers infecting prostitutes than vice versa. Nevertheless, in many countries prostitution turned into one of the main avenues of virus transmission. Especially in developing countries, many prostitutes did not know how to protect themselves or, if they knew, were unable to do so (lack of condoms, inability to insist on their use etc.). In view of this danger to public health, the authorities had no choice but to seek the co-operation of prostitutes and, where applicable, of those who live off their earnings. This, in turn, added some sobriety and realism to the often quite heated, but all too theoretical debate about prostitution. In Thailand, for example, where prostitution is illegal, a campaign to increase condom use among prostitutes enlisted the help of brothel owners and therefore proved very successful. In Germany, where prostitution as such is legal, the government distributed AIDS prevention material among migrant sex workers in their own languages. Other countries have come up with other solutions or are in the process of finding them.
AIDS prevention for migrant sex workers
The German government, in cooperation with a prostitutes’ organization, distributes free AIDS prevention kits and brochures to migrant sex workers in their own languages. These women are often difficult to reach because of their illegal residence status. Shown here is a brochure in Russian and one of the kits containing condoms, lubricants, cleaning towels and a tampon.
Source: Federal Center for Health Education (BZgA).
|
