Abstract

PIP: To understand the spread of AIDS among prostitutes, it is important to understand the distinctions among those who "sell" themselves for sex. In studying the anthropology of prostitutes, 3 general geographical boundaries and the characteristics of each should be considered: the West, Asia and sub-Saharan Africa. Distinctions also exist among societies where there is almost no visible separation in the activities of marriage or prostitution and in societies where the nature of work and filiation differ. The effects of HIV transmission, condom use, legal control, drug use, the client and economic and non-economic aspects are considered with each broad geographical area. Important measures in the control of HIV infection will be the distribution of condoms and clean needles. Preventive programs must make it of utmost importance to 1st strive to encourage prevention among the prostitution community. Programs should also not be limited to areas where there are larger communities of prostitution and will trace migrational routes of prostitution back to even smaller communities.