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Name of the project: Improving access to integrated Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) and HIV information and response services addressing human rights of female sex workers [Sukh Pakhi]. Programme Area: Enhance access to comprehensive Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) services, including HIV and gender-based violence (GBV) information and response services, while upholding the human rights of these specific populations. Duration: January 2024 to June 2024 Funded by: FCDO Supported By: United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Implementation area of PHD: Rajbari [Dualatdia brothel under Goalondo Upazila], Tangail [Kandapara brothel], Faridpur [C&B Ghat and Rothkhola brothel], Jeshore [Marwari Mandir and Babu Bazar brothel]) and Manikganj [For floating sex workers] Districts. Target audience: 3,220 floating and brothel based sex workers.
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UNFPA offered technical and financial assistance to PHD in crafting a community-driven initiative for brothel and floating female sex workers, their offspring, and their clients within and outside brothels, known as “Sukhpakhi”. The primary objective is to enhance access to comprehensive Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) services, including HIV and gender-based violence (GBV) information and response services, while upholding the human rights of these specific populations. The project encompasses various SRHR components such as HIV testing and counseling, STI screening, cervical carcinoma screening, behavior change communication, community Squad initiative activation to address GBV, Income Generating Activities (IGA) via a community-led social marketing approach, outreach initiatives by Change Agents (Peers), and monitoring efforts. Coordination and advocacy leadership are also emphasized to fortify referral services for health, social safety nets, ART adherence, mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS), general ailment management, and maternal and child health services (ANC/PNC, institutional delivery, safe MR), as well as TB and diabetic screening. Several innovations are integrated to ensure high-quality service delivery and to mainstream interventions for sex workers. These innovations include: (i) Establishing Comprehensive Service Centers (CSCs) branded as "Sukhpakhi" to serve as a hallmark of quality, promoting healthier practices among female sex workers and their clients. (ii) Relocating all SRHR service centers for brothel-based sex workers outside, but in close proximity to brothels, to assess the feasibility of providing services for the targeted populations from centers outside brothels. (iii) Introducing Strip (ICT) tests for syphilis screening as a Point of Care (POC) to minimize the risk of antimicrobial resistance to antibiotics, and utilizing Rapid test kits for HIV testing services. (iv) Decentralizing cervical cancer screening at government facilities. (v) Providing leadership skill development training for CBO leaders and change agents focusing on GBV and mental health. (vi) Capacity building for change agents to facilitate effective group education. (vii) Reinforcing referral and MHPSS services through local-level coordination. (viii) Conducting Hepatitis B&C screening. (ix) Collaborative advocacy and coordination efforts to strengthen referral services, facilitate enrollment in social safety net support, and create a non-stigmatized and non-discriminatory environment for female sex workers at government facilities, along with legal aid services. (x) Implementing social marketing initiatives for lubricants and fragrant condoms by CBOs as a cafeteria choice.
SDG focus: SDG 3: Good Health and Wellbeing SDG 5: Gender Equality SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals |