Removing structural barriers to universal access

Removing structural barriers to universal access
Even where services are theoretically available, sex workers and their clients face substantial
obstacles to accessing HIV prevention, treatment care and support, particularly where sex
work is criminalised. Ensuring that sex workers and their clients have meaningful access
to essential services demands concerted action to overcome structural factors that limit
access. Stigma and discrimination must be effectively addressed36; violence and abuse of sex
workers must be reduced37; and legal barriers to participation should be revised38. Achieving
the changes in social and legal conditions that limit access to those services will take time,
but it is critical to implement needed legal and policy reforms now and to pursue these
actions with urgency and high-level support.
Providing services to documented and undocumented migrant sex workers
TAMPEP (European Network for HIV/STI Prevention and Health promotion Among Migrant
Sex Workers) operates in 25 countries in Europe. It specialises in combining research,
interventions, and the active participation of migrant sex workers. TAMPEP has mapped
the current trends of sex work in Europe for more than a decade and through its member
organizations provides support and services to migrant sex workers. TAMPEP is also active
in advising national governments on policies and programming for migrant sex workers.39
Information and education
Sex workers and clients should have access to high-quality educational opportunities.
Such programmes should be offered in a range of settings, not merely in sex work settings.
Information about HIV prevention, treatment, care and support is essential, but it is not
sufficient on its own to address the HIV-related needs of sex workers and their clients.
Effective learning takes place through dialogue and other participatory approaches that
are relevant to learners’ everyday lives and tailored to their specific language and concerns.
Information and education programmes should focus not only on the basics about HIV
risk, prevention, treatment and care, but also cover sexual health, rights, obligations, responsibilities
and opportunities for individual and collective action. Effective approaches require
the coordinated use of diverse methods, including peer outreach and education, facilitybased
counselling, print materials and mass media, and should always be age