By Patience Kapinda
Women in Sex Work (WISW) project, implemented by Theatre for a Change (TfaC) with funding from the Commonwealth Foundation and Mercury Phoenix, has made significant strides in providing comprehensive healthcare services to female sex workers in Lilongwe.
Through its Mobile Health Clinic (MHC), TfaC has reached over 900 individuals, distributed over 1 million male condoms and 11,845 female condoms, and provided STI screening and treatment to 845 male clients and 2,184 female sex workers.
The project has referred 98 women for further support and provided family planning services to over 500 women.
Despite the achievements, TfaC's Programme Manager, Jemima Gunde said the challenges faced by the project, including over reliance on MHCs, a lack of syphilis test kits and female condoms, and difficulties in following up on safeguarding cases due to the mobility of sex workers.
She expressed gratitude to the government for its support, which has enabled the project to access essential materials like test kits and condoms.
Gunde acknowledged the impact of the project on the lives of sex workers, who now feel comfortable seeking medical attention without fear of judgment.
A sex worker who benefited from the project, Margret Gama praised TfaC for teaching them about their rights and how to access healthcare services without fear of discrimination.
"Theatre for a Change has made us confident in seeking medical help. We no longer hide our problems or illnesses because we know we can get help without being judged," she said.
An ombudsman at Bwaila Hospital, Tinyade Pahuwa commended TfaC for training healthcare providers on how to receive and address complaints from sex workers.
"TfaC has taught us how to handle issues regarding sex workers without bias. We are glad to be part of this initiative and look forward to continued collaboration," she said.
The project's success is a testament to the power of theatre and performance in promoting social change and improving healthcare outcomes.
As TfaC continues to work with sex workers, healthcare providers, and other stakeholders, it is clear that this initiative will have a lasting impact on the lives of women in sex work in Lilongwe.
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