Influence of Customized Demand Generation as a Strategy to Increase Uptake of Voluntary Counseling and Testing Services amongst Sex Workers in Mumbai and Thane

Samita Bhardwaj,Sowmya Ramesh,Sanjeevsingh Gaikwad

doi:10.4236/wja.2014.42018

Abstract

Background: To demonstrate that customized demand generation leads to increased voluntary HIV counseling and testing (VCT) among Sex Workers (SWs). Methods: FHI 360 Aastha implemented Vivek intervention among SWs in Mumbai and Thane, India using customized demand generation through outreach services for VCT. Program monitoring data and integrated counseling and testing center tracking sheets were used to assess the intervention effect. Results: Higher proportion of registered SWs tested during: 1) Vivek months than other months (17% vs. 5%, p

Highlights

To demonstrate that customized demand generation leads to increased voluntary HIV counseling and testing (VCT) among Sex Workers (SWs)
We describe and demonstrate that customized demand generation strategies through outreach operationalization of voluntary counseling and testing services for HIV lead to improved access and increased uptake of HIV testing among Sex Workers (SWs)
Vivek was an intensification of voluntary counseling and testing services for a period of one month operationalized in outreach settings for male and female sex workers

Summary

Introduction

To demonstrate that customized demand generation leads to increased voluntary HIV counseling and testing (VCT) among Sex Workers (SWs). Methods: FHI 360 Aastha implemented Vivek intervention among SWs in Mumbai and Thane, India using customized demand generation through outreach services for VCT. In India, about 2.5 million people, aged between 15 and 49, are estimated to be living with HIV, making it the country with the third largest number of infected people in the world. How to cite this paper: Bhardwaj, S., et al (2014) Influence of Customized Demand Generation as a Strategy to Increase Uptake of Voluntary Counseling and Testing Services amongst Sex Workers in Mumbai and Thane. NACO estimates that only 50% of those currently infected with HIV are aware of their status and there is still significant work to be done in this area [4]

Methods

Results

Conclusion