Document Type

Brief

Publication Date

2004

Abstract

Although knowledge about HIV/AIDS is widespread in South Africa, adult HIV prevalence is high, indicating high levels of risky sexual behavior. Understanding the gap between knowledge and behavior requires an examination of the social context in which the epidemic occurs. The Horizons Program conducted an intervention study in the Carletonville area to study the social determinants of the HIV epidemic and to assess the impact of a targeted program of HIV and STI prevention and service delivery. In 1998, the Mothusimpilo (“Working together for health”) Intervention Project (MIP) was launched to reduce community prevalence of HIV and other STIs and to sustain those reductions through enhanced prevention and STI treatment services. Carletonville includes many migrant mine workers and is characterized by significant poverty and unemployment, the presence of sex work, and high rates of STIs. MIP targets population groups where high-risk sexual behavior is thought to be common. This brief focuses on sex workers because of their vulnerability to STIs and HIV infection and their link to miners and men in the broader community.

DOI

10.31899/hiv15.1001

Language

English

Project

Horizons Program

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