Tag: sex wokers

Sex Workers Panic Over New Condom Prices

Michael Gwarisa

SEX workers from most parts of the country have raised a red flag over the new prices of condoms which has gone beyond the reach of many, a situation which could lead to a spike in new HIV infections and Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs). By Michael Gwarisa A pack of Durex Condoms now range between ZW$107 and ZW$119 which is twice the price of bread. To worsen the situation, accessing free condoms or Dembare Condoms has also become a challenge. Sex workers who spoke to HealthTimes pleaded with government to…

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Reintegrating Young Sex Workers Into Academic and Skills Training

Michael Gwarisa

DETERMINED, Resilient, Empowered, AIDS-free, Mentored and Safe (DREAMS), “that’s exactly how I feel right now as a young sex worker,” said Rosaline a 19 year old sex worker from Sakubva in Mutare. By Michael Gwarisa in Mutare Rosaline is amongst some of the many beneficiaries of the DREAMS initiative which is being implemented by the Family Aids Caring Trust (FACT) through support  from USAID and PEPFAR in three districts in Manicaland province namely Mutare, Makoni and Chipinge. Having been raised by a single mother in a family of four and with her…

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We Want To Retire…Sex Workers Cry For Economic Empowerment Recognition

NewsRoom

NO matter how good one a dancer is, there comes a moment to leave the dance-floor.   Kudakwashe Pembere recently in Mash West Province There comes a time when one needs to throw in the towel. Even for the world’s oldest trade, (Sex Work) there is a point in life when the body needs to take a break. However, resting for the sake of resting without having an alternative source of income could lead to recidivism a scenario coined by sociologists to refer to a point when one, say an…

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Sex Workers Conference Expose Health Workers Unprofessionalism

NewsRoom

NEGATIVE attitudes coupled with high level stigma by nursing and other health staff at various health centers is to blame for the high Anti Retro-viral Treatment (ART) default rate among sex workers in various parts of the country, sex worker organisations have said. By Michael Gwarisa recently in Gweru These revelations were made by sex worker organisations at the just ended National Sex Workers conference that was hosted by the Zimbabwe Aids Network (ZAN) in Gweru which aimed among other things to deliberate on Sexual Reproductive Health Rights (SRHR) issues…

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Static Sites To Improve Prep Tracking For Sex Workers

NewsRoom

THE setting up of Static Sites along the country’s major highways and boarder posts is set to improve tracking of sex workers who would have been initiated on the Pre -Exposure Prophylaxis (Prep) drug to ensure HIV negative sex workers maintain their status. By Michael Gwarisa In an interview, National Aids Council (NAC) Key Populations (KP) coordinator, Jerry Manyika efforts efforts to kick start the Static Sites program are now at an advanced stage and they will be offering comprehensive Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) services for sex workers…

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Zim Female Prisons A Ticking HIV Time bomb

NewsRoom

…a single glove is inserted into more than 10 women’s privates to search for hidden objects …HIV in female prisons is more of a hygiene issue than it is sexual …Drug adherence a challenge due to stigma in prisons IT’S already been two years since Nkazana (not real name) left Chikurubi remand prison but gory memories and gustily images of her horrific experiences behind bars are still as clear and vivid as daylight. By Michael Gwarisa  Apart from the poor nutrition, living standards and social welfare issues inmates experience daily…

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Sex Workers Using Cotton and Cloths to Prevent Pregnancies and STI

NewsRoom

SEX workers are inserting cotton and cloths inside their private parts to prevent themselves from contracting sexually transmitted infections and unwanted pregnancies, a practice that has been vehemently condemned by sexual reproductive health experts. By Michael Gwarisa Speaking at a gathering for Sex Workers this morning in Strataven, Harare, sex workers confirmed that they insert fabrics inside their vaginas to prevent them from falling pregnant as the material sucks in semen in the event of a condom bursting or when they meet clients who demand unprotected sex. “I joined sex…

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NAC To Establish 30 Static Sites For Sex Workers

NewsRoom

THE National Aids Council (NAC) is in the process of setting up 30 Static Health Sites around the country and boarder posts which will attend to Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights  (SRHR) of sex workers (SWs) amidst indications that HIV prevalence amongst sex workers continues to rise nationally. By Michael Gwarisa In an interview with HealthTimes on the sidelines of a Zimbabwe Aids Network (ZAN) organised breakfast meeting between Civil Society and the Business Sector on sustainable economic options and livelihoods for Key Populations (SWs and Prisoners), NAC Key Populations…

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We Need Affordable Medical Aid says Sex Workers

NewsRoom

SEX workers have bemoaned the lack of affordable medical health insurance as a hindrance to them accessing basic sexual reproductive health services, HealthTimes has learnt. By Michael Gwarisa Speaking to some ladies of the trade who pligh their profession along Mbuya Nehanda street in Harare, they said being a sex worker should be treated as a job just like teaching or nursing and medical aid companies should tailor-make packages that suit low income earning groups like vendors and sex workers. “As you are aware my brother, when you see us…

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