Achievements and Implications of HIV Prevention Programme among Female Sex workers : A Systematic Evaluation of HAF II Project in Plateau State , Nigeria

Background: Plateau State, Nigeria with HIV prevalence rate of 7.7% as at 2010 had among the highest HIV and syphilis levels in Nigeria, earning itself a reputation of being one of the 12 + 1 states contributing the highest HIV prevalence in Nigeria and described as “hot zone” of HIV infections. Factors responsible for this were not unrelated to the high-risk activities of Female Sex Workers (FSWs). This paper therefore presents achievements and implications HIV prevention among FSWs in Plateau State, Nigeria Methods: This project was an intervention effort focused on delivering evidence-based HIV prevention activities among FSWs in 3 local government areas within the State. The estimated target population for the study was 460 and this project used the minimum prevention package intervention (MPPI). Peer educators were selected and trained among the FSWs to reach out to their peers using cohort session. Data were documented using various monitoring and evaluation tools, entered on the District Health Information Software version 2 and analyzed using Microsoft Excel. Results: A total of 68 community dialogues were held with 1,466 influencers participating in the process. In addition, 601 peers were registered, while 18 persons benefitted from 27 income generation activities aimed at capacity building for FSWs. A total of 642 persons were counseled, tested and shown their results, with 15 persons tested positive resulting in HIV prevalence of 2.3%. Although 10,560 condoms were distributed however, these numbers was below the number of condoms required during the intervention. Conclusion: This intervention was a success. However, more needs to be done with regards to condom distribution and supply among FSWs since there is a crucial role for FSWs to play in the plot of taking the HIV prevalence of Plateau State even further down.