Voices in the dark: Male and female sex workers speak out
Friday, February 22, 2019
The study gave male and female sex workers were given an opportunity to tell stories, their way PIC: FILE PIC
Between April 2017 and February 2018, researchers led by Ministry of Health and Wellness with several technical and financial partners, conducted interviews and group discussions with about 2,049 male and female sex workers as well as transgender people.
The study was aimed at uncovering the behavioural and biological trends around these groups which have been identified as being the most high-risk of HIV and Sexually Transmitted Illnesses (STIs). The study was the second since the pioneering effort in 2012 and this time around, it was widened to include transgender individuals.
Whilst celebrating milestones in inclusivity, with notably P5 billion awarded to vulnerable groups, the report sounds a 'siren' on a dangerous and growing trend: the ballooning use of micro-procurement. That this method, designed for small-scale, efficient purchases, now accounts for a staggering 25% (P8 billion) of total procurement value is not a sign of agility, but a 'red flag'. The PPRA’s warning is unequivocal and must be...