A WELL-WOMAN-CLINIC IN BANGALORE - ONE STRATEGY TO ATTEMPT TO DECREASE THE TRANSMISSION OF HIV-INFECTION

Samraksha, a non-governmental organization (NGO) in Bangalore, South I ndia, was established in 1993 to take steps to control the spread of H IV infection. As a result of their interactions the Samraksha team rec ognized the urgent need for management of sexually transmitted disease s (STDs) as a crucial component of their work. Samraksha approached Ac tion Health, a UK-based charity, for assistance. This paper outlines t he needs assessment and the process of setting up a Well Woman Clinic for commercial sex workers (CSWs) and other vulnerable groups in Banga lore. The pilot project has been running for over a year and has gaine d credibility both with vulnerable women and with professionals. Furth ermore it has officially become a government resource centre for the t raining of doctors and health-care staff in the management of STDs, an d provides formal training sessions for the staff at each of the prima ry health-care centres in Bangalore. Thus STD management is being inte grated with the current primary health-care provision for women throug hout Bangalore. Factors influencing the successful development of such a service are considered.