In an age of phone apps for health, electronic medical records and other tools and devices designed to improve health, it’s surprising that technology could also take us a step backward. But then again, anything is possible. In India, where brothels long-proved to be a challenge for AIDS outreach workers, they at least prove easier to reach traditional clients. Now the greatest challenge is reaching sex workers with cell phones, those who do not rely on brothels and can now take their business mobile, literally. By not seeing clients in only one place, it makes it harder for outreach workers to provide education and condoms to them. Further, some studies have found that those who are more mobile and not associated with a brothel are less likely to use a condom. More information on this and the full story can be accessed at The New York Times.
Although this presents a challenge to reaching individuals at risk of HIV and other STDs, sex workers relying on mobile technology may present an interesting opportunity for relief workers. Perhaps the use of an anonymous text line, where sex workers could either text for information or receive health education messages from, would prove beneficial and could help increase condom use in this population. A text line could also send messages or information on where to get condoms, although this relies on sex workers traveling to a clinic or other site to receive condoms, versus outreachworkers coming directly to the point of service, brothels, to deliver condoms to those at risk. In time, perhaps a smart phone app could provide the same type of information. Although this does not as easily get condoms into the hands of sex workers, it is a step toward continued or increased communication with and education for groups at risk.
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Harris, G. (24 November, 2012). Cellphones reshape prostitution in India, and complicate efforts to prevent AIDS. The New York Times. Retrieved 25 November from http://www.nytimes.com/2012/11/25/world/asia/indian-prostitutes-new-autonomy-imperils-aids-fight.html?nl=todaysheadlines&emc=edit_th_20121125
Public Health Perspectives 