Sex Workers: An Introductory Manual for Health Care Workers in South Africa

This manual, published by Desmond Tutu HIV Foundation, was produced to help sensitise and inform health workers about the specific risks and health needs of sex workers in order to improve health care services and contribute to the treatment and prevention of HIV and other health issues in the community. As stated in the manual, some health care workers may have little experience in providing services for sex workers. However, sex workers are a highly at-risk population who receive very little resources, attention, or respect within the justice and health care system.

The manual is divided into eight modules and each module includes a brief introduction, a set of learning outcomes, and a series of questions and answers. A brief summary and list of recommendations is also included at the end of each module. Many modules include exercises and reflection tasks in order to provide an opportunity for assessment of knowledge, attitudes and beliefs. Furthermore, practical case studies are presented in story form throughout each module. The case studies are based on real experiences, and provide an opportunity for participants to practise newly learned skills and knowledge. Pre- and post-course assessments have been included in this manual in order to measure levels of experience, knowledge, and attitudes before and after completing the manual. In addition, more in-depth information and resources have been included in the appendices.

The manual has been designed specifically for individuals who already have a basic understanding of and experience in health service provision. It intends to supply health care workers with the necessary information to provide effective care and support for sex workers within South African health care settings. This manual will also provide health care workers with an opportunity to understand and address both social and personal stigma toward sex workers.
The manual consist of the following modules:

• Module 1: Introduction to sex workers
• Module 2: Common behaviours and practices of sex workers
• Module 3: Sex work and stigma
• Module 4: Sex work, health care and the law
• Module 5: HIV and STI prevention among sex workers
• Module 6: Mental health and sex work
• Module 7: Providing sex worker-friendly services
• Module 8: Creating a plan of action for your health facility