1. Vishwa Deepak & C. Lalsangzuala
Reaching out to CSWs through a Care & Support Programme for Orphans & Vulnerable Children
Vishwa Deepak & C. Lalsangzuala
FXB INDIA SOCIETY
NEW DELHI, INDIA

2. TO ALL THE CHILDREN WHO HAVE A POTENTIAL AND CAPACITY TO BRINGING EVERYONE TOGETHER TO FIGHT AGAINST THE HIV/AIDS PANDEMIC

3. CSW in Aizawl, Mizoram
Largely transient in nature with soliciting done in Hotels, Cinema Halls, Tea Shops and on roadsides
Often the CSWs operate on their own
Most of the CSWs are alcohol and drug users
110 of 168 CSWs currently on programme are IDUs and remaining are/have been using oral drugs
Most of them are/have been married at one or other point of their life and have children

4. The Programme Started in December 2004 with a objective
To reduce HIV/AIDS prevalence among CSWs of Aizawl District, Mizoram, India
Programme Targets for December 2005
100 CSWs informed, educated and Counselled
Increase condom usage by 80%
All CSWs presenting with the symptoms of STIs are treated
Increased level of awareness among the community of the targeted population
Reduced stigma and discrimination

5. Activities
A Drop-in-Centre for CSWs where they could bathe, rest and sleep and a free clinic with a provision of free medicine
Outreach activities to
To inform and educate the CSWs and their clients
Free distribution of condoms
Counselling and referral for HIV test, care, support & treatment
Advocacy, awareness and networking to create enabling environment

6. Results – July 2005 All registration/services through outreach work
Registered only 72 CSWs with average turn out frequency at Drop-in-Centre per day – 2.5
All CSWs were given medical care and treatment for common illnesses/STIs
Average condoms per day distributed

7. Challenges The nature of Commercial Sex Work
High level of social stigma and discrimination against CSWs
Ban imposed by local social organisation
Punitive actions against CSWs, Drug Users and those provide care services to them
CSWs are often unreachable during the day

8. Addressing the Challenges
To address the challenges a Care, Support & Treatment Programme for the Children of Commercial Sex Workers and Drug Users was Started in August 2005

9. Problems faced by the Children
Lack of care and support from their mother/parents/ relatives
Often on street even late at night
Often placed in orphanages or are looked after by old grandparents who themselves require care and support
Majority either never in school or dropped-out or else irregular to school
Low self esteem and confidence leading to self-imposed social isolation, depression leading to poor health, malnourishment and lack of hygiene
Irritable and low tolerance level
Social stigma and discrimination due to parents’ status

10. Care & Support to the Children
A Day-Care Centre for the Children
Psycho-social support
Nutritional and health care support
Educational Support
Recreational Activities
Advocacy and networking with schools, social organisations, health care services
Integration of the Children in the mainstream
Home-visits

11. Results – Care & Support for the Children
102 children are provided with care and support
1 – 2 yrs = 7
2 – 3 yrs = 33
3 – 4 yrs = 52
4 – 5 yrs = 10
8 children are living with HIV/AIDS
35 under/mal-nourished children receive nutritional supplementation
Involvement of society – reduced social stigma & discrimination
Children integrated in the mainstream of society
Increased confidence level and improved performance in education/learning
17 children admitted in the schools and attending regular classes

12. Programme for the CSWs: Results in December 2005
168 CSWs registered (133% increase)
Average attendance increased to 7 from 2.5 CSWs per day within one month of starting the project
Currently the daily average attendance of CSWs at Drop-in-Centre is 12
The condom pick-up increased to per day from per day
68% CSWs reported regular condoms use
84% CSWs feel safer availing services at the centre among because it “protects” them from social recognition and the consequences

13. Qualitative Results in December 2005
Community Contribution received for the programme indicates positively changing attitude
The biggest CBO in Mizoram Central Young Mizo Association supported two CSWs through FXB to start their business
As a result of FXB programme 5 CSWs stopped sex work and reintegrated into their family
Through home visit and family counselling 3 families accepted their CSW daughters back in the family
The work with CSWs is recognized and appreciated by the community since it is improving the life of the children
FXB team received Appreciation Certificate from the Health Minister of the Govt. of Mizoram on International day on drug abuse and illicit trafficking for its work among CSWs

14. THANK YOU
For more information regarding the programme please at or