P49.08
Background: Female sex workers (FSW) are at high risk of transmitting/acquiring HIV and other Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs). Despite widespread education, counselling, and condom distribution interventions among FSW, unprotected sexual intercourse persists. This study aimed to assess the level of HIV prevalence among FSWs who consulted VCT services at Projet San Francisco in Kigali, Rwanda.
Methods: From September 2012-March 2014, Projet San Francisco provided HIV voluntary counseling and testing, STI screening and treatment as well as Long Acting and Reversible Contraceptive (LARC) methods to FSW invited from known hot spots of commercial sex activity in Kigali. HIV negative women are offered enrollment into a prospective study on HIV incidence, while HIV positive women are referred to government health centers for care and treatment.
Results: During the study, 605 FSW received services at PSF, of whom 263 (43%) tested HIV negative. The mean age was 31 years with a range of 16-51. HIV prevalence rose with age from 31% in<24 year olds to 56% in those aged 25-29, 58% in 30-34 year olds and 70% among those>35. At baseline, 264 (44%) FSW were diagnosed with at least one STI. The most commonly diagnosed STI was Syphilis (151 cases; 25%), followed by Trichomoniasis (84 cases; 14%), Pelvic Inflammatory diseases (33 cases; 5%), and Gonorrhea (5 cases; 1%). 12 women were treated for more than one STI. The average number of sex clients per month was 44 (range: 0-500), the median was 20 clients per month and the proportion of FSW who reported consistent condom use for all sex acts in the last month was 75%.
Conclusions: FSW in Kigali have a very high prevalence of HIV and other STI. Increasing HIV testing and counseling is especially needed at an early age to decrease risk of new HIV infections. Specific interventions for this high-risk population are needed to limit the spread of the HIV/AIDS epidemic.
