Ghanaian prostitutes fight AIDS with condoms
Yeboah-afari, A.
New African 256: 54
1989
ISSN/ISBN: 0142-9345 PMID: 12315803 Document Number: 362372
Ghana has experienced at least 334 known cases of AIDS and has already begun a new stage in its confrontation with the disease. The appointment of a full-time AIDS control program officer, Dr. Phyllis Antwi and the initiation of a fund raising campaign are 2 recent decisions. A further initiative has begun two projects that work with prostitutes in controlling the disease. Another prevention program in the Somanya area offers home care for AIDS patients. Set in the capital of Accra where over 2,000 prostitutes reside, the projects have a dual purpose: the elimination of prostitution and the offering of a source of alternative income and the distribution of AIDS protection devices. Due to economic problems, many Ghanaians migrated to neighboring countries while many of the young women who remained were compelled to seek income through prostitution. These women represent the highest risk group for AIDS in Ghana today.