Medicosnext
A recent integrated biological and behavioral surveillance conducted by the Nepal Health Research Council reveals a distressing increase in sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), notably syphilis, among female sex workers in Pokhara. The study, involving 364 participants, highlights a substantial spike in syphilis cases, escalating from 0.6% in 2011 to a concerning 14.8% in 2023. The report underscores the prevalence of substance use, with 10.4% engaging in drug use and 2.7% exchanging sex for drugs. Additionally, it exposes critical knowledge gaps, with 55% never having undergone an HIV test and 76.4% unaware of Hepatitis C infection.
Data was collected through face-to-face interviews using a structured questionnaire. “I lack extensive education, and there are limited employment opportunities for me, leading to uncertainty about my future. Currently, I find solace in the work I am engaged in,” expressed a 30-year-old female sex worker, as cited in the report. Financial hardships were cited as a significant factor prompting women to enter the profession, with some respondents explaining their involvement as a means to provide for their children’s well-being and education. Dohori restaurants, known for live duet performances, serve as the primary workplace for 44.3% of these sex workers, followed by cabin restaurants at 17.5% and massage centers at 15%. The study reveals a troubling lack of awareness and testing, emphasizing the necessity for a community-based screening program targeting HIV, syphilis, Hepatitis B and C to alleviate the disease burden. The findings highlight the urgent need for comprehensive sexual health education, regular testing, and support services for female sex workers to address the surge in STDs and improve overall well-being. Initiatives focused on education, alternative employment opportunities, and destigmatization are essential to empower these women.
