Implementing Comprehensive HIV/STI Programmes with Sex Workers Implementing Comprehensive HIV/STI Programmes with | Page 113
4 Condom and Lubricant Programming
intensive workplace condom promotion programmes to promote condom use in employment sectors
with increased mobility and demonstrated higher prevalence of HIV and STIs (i.e. mining, transport,
etc.).
Programmes should address normative values and behaviours of men and boys to incorporate respect
for the health and human rights of all of their sexual partners, including female, male and transgender
sex workers. This includes always using a condom for penetrative sex with a sex worker and never
demanding unprotected sex. In addition to promoting condoms to clients of sex workers, programmes
should also address common misconceptions around HIV prevention, including the idea that male
circumcision or antiretroviral therapy eliminates all risk of transmitting HIV or other STIs.
Effective condom distribution to clients of sex workers relies on a harmonized approach to HIV
programming among the health, commercial and judicial sectors. Condoms should be widely
promoted and available in the commercial sector, particularly in convenience stores and small-scale
vendors near entertainment areas. However, the most important thing is that condoms be available
in the locations where commercial sex takes place. When condoms are more or less within arm’s
reach during a commercial sex act, it is significantly more likely that they will be used. It is therefore
absolutely necessary that venues that facilitate sex services, and sex workers themselves, should
not be hampered, punished or detained by police or others for possessing condoms.
Box 4.7
Strategies for reducing demand for unprotected sex
and increasing condom use with clients of sex workers
• High-level government leadership supporting condom use in all penetrative sex acts.
• Media campaigns to change social norms and destigmatize condom use.
• Workplace programmes for potential clients of sex workers, to change community norms and reduce
demand for unprotected paid sex.
• Distribution of condoms and lubricants in locations convenient to clients of sex workers, including
convenience stores, workplaces and sex work venues.
• Incorporation of messages regarding the h