Access to HIV Services for Mobile and Migrant Populations in Antigua

Their expectations for their core group were limited. While they were happy with the
services provided by CHAA, the impression of the principal investigator is that most of
the time the ladies felt isolated and alone like no one understood them. It appears
that they did not think they deserved to have any high expectations. Many of the sex
workers seemed resigned to their fate and did not seem to have much hope for change or
for things to get much better.
The Spanish speaking SW expressed that they live in an extremely discriminating and
violent environment. Their main needs would be services provided by Spanish speaking
staff in St Johns and available 24/7.
It was also interesting to hear from them that they play a public health role in diagnosing
STIs among their client and orienting them to the most relevant health facility. They have
the feeling that there is a serious lack of basic sexual and health education among men. In
their opinion, men in Antigua do not receive sufficient education about STI’s.
Recommendations for CSW (From Focus Group and Survey)
A policy should be put in place to ensure periodic STI tests and check-ups for all
sex workers. To be discussed with component 1 consultants.
Public services including immigration and police officers and health care providers
need to be trained in culturally appropriate manners of relating to Spanish
speaking migrant sex workers who are sometimes very vulnerable and who utilize
their services. The precise content of the training will be identified.
A health center or clinic based in St Johns should have late opening hours to
provide sex workers with SRH services including periodic STI tests with Spanish
speaking staff. The consultancy for component 4 will identify the most
appropriate facility to ply this role.
Distribute as many free condoms as possible, in the bar, dancing and brothels.
The sex workers need education on the consequences of anal or vaginal
unprotected intercourse with multiple partners. After that, then empowerment so
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