A 'Well Woman Clinic' in Bangalore: one strategy to attempt to decrease the transmission of HIV infection.
Samraksha, a non-governmental organization (NGO) in Bangalore, South India, was established in 1993 to take steps to control the spread of HIV infection. As a result of their interactions the Samraksha team recognized the urgent need for management of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) as a crucial component of their work. Samraksha approached Action Health, a UK-based charity, for assistance. This paper outlines the needs assessment and the process of setting up a Well Woman Clinic for commercial sex workers (CSWs) and other vulnerable groups in Bangalore. The pilot project has been running for over a year and has gained credibility both with vulnerable women and with professionals. Furthermore it has officially become a government resource centre for the training of doctors and health-care staff in the management of STDs, and provides formal training sessions for the staff at each of the primary health-care centres in Bangalore. Thus STD management is being integrated with the current primary health-care provision for women throughout Bangalore. Factors influencing the successful development of such a service are considered.
Department of Genito-Urinary Medicine, Isle of Wight Healthcare NHS Trust, St Mary's Hospital, Newport, UK.
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D000554:Ambulatory Care Facilities / Q000191:economics; D003365:Costs and Cost Analysis; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000635:transmission; D006801:Humans; D007194:India; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011314:Preventive Health Services / Q000191:economics; D011477:Sex Work; D016387:Women's Health