lola AKOMATSRI

According to scientists, in terms of HIV.AIDS, prostitutes are on the front line and are the most intensely infected. Increasingly reluctant to use of condoms, they in turn infect their customers. Without knowing, they are contributing to the disseminating and spread of the virus.

The phenomenon of prostitution is increasing day by day and at national level, it is mainly concentrated in urban areas and on the Abidjan-Lagos-Lome-Tema corridor. The dual role of the “receiver” and the “donor” of HIV attributed to prostitutes is proven by scientists. From unprotected sexual relation, the virus is quickly spreading. A situation that leads to a social drama in Togo. In fact, on a population of 5 millions habitants in Togo, more than 200,000 persons are reported and unreported positive to HIV/AIDS and the country has a prevalence rate of 3.2%.

Based on that statitistics, prostitutes are pointed to be the responsibles. According to Plan Togo in 2005, the prevalence of HIV among sex workers is estimated at 29.5%. More than half of sex workers admit to have had at least once, unprotected sex with a client. Tempted by the big amount of money that offer their customers in exchange for free-condoms sex, girls in need succumb easily.

The usual rate is between 20 000 and 50 000 FCFA and sometimes, some customers aware of the vulnerability of these girls do not hesitate to double the price. And surveys show that the infection is based on the socio-economic status of prostitutes and on the conditions that they are working (home, hotel, sidewalks, brothels …). There is an evidence that those who are working on the sidewalks are more likely to accept unprotected sexual relation because they are younger, inexperienced, often illiterate and ignorant of the dangers of HIV / AIDS.  For those who are working in hotels, called “luxury prostitutes” they are much more mature and more sophisticated and more expensive, therefore less in need and can afford to “send to hell” a client that would make an “indecent” proposal.

These girls who are infected because of prostitution, return to their “official” partners who are unaware of their nocturnal activities. As for the transmission of the disease at the Abidjan-Lagos-Lome-Tema corridor, it is essentially drivers, sellers and some prostitutes who are the main players. These drivers don’t hesitate to use the service of sex workers or seduce young sellers on the border, with big amount of money.

In that case, the numbers are staggering, because the virus is spreading in cities of destination mainly because values of faithfulness are no longer on the agenda for young people. According to experts, the spread of AIDS among this portion is accelerating at an alarming rate. The Togolese authorities in charge of health are sounding the alarm and fear the worst for young people who sometimes intercourse without a condom.

According to the World Health, “more than a third of prostitutes with at least 4 months in the profession are infected with HIV.” After a period of 4 to 6 months in the profession, 45% of prostitutes are infected and over half are at the end of their one year experience. This situation pointed out the issue of the regulation of the sector.

Today, in the sub-region, only Senegal is an example. Prostitution is officially tolerated, with norms including medical follow-up and surveillance. And failing to stop the phenomenon, a regulation of the sector would not only provide a reliable database to effectively follow the girls.

 Lola Akomatsri

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