This implementation tool, commonly referred to as “SWIT” was developed by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Global Network of Sex Work Projects (NSWP), together with UNAIDS, UNFPA, UNDP, and the World Bank. In line with UNDP’s HIV, Health and Development Strategy 2016 – 2021: Connecting the Dots and the series of implementation tools focusing on improving services for key HIV populations and reducing inequalities and exclusion, UNDP has contributed to this tool which offers practical advice on implementing HIV and STI programmes for and with sex workers.
Topics covered in SWIT include inclusive programme development, addressing violence against sex workers, condom and lubricant programming and other critical interventions for HIV prevention, treatment and care.
The implementation tool contains examples of good practice from around the world that may support efforts in planning programmes and services. SWIT is designed for use by public health decision makers and workers, managers of HIV and STI programmes, as well as civil society. It may also be of interest to international donors, policy makers and advocates.
This tool was developed by sex workers, programme managers, researchers and development partners who helped to research, draft and review it in collaboration with a coordinating group.
In 2012 the World Health Organization (WHO), the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) and the Global Network of Sex Work Projects (NSWP) developed a guidance document on Prevention and treatment of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections for sex workers in low- and middle-income countries.
This document, referred to in this publication as the “2012 Recommendations”, sets out technical recommendations on effective interventions for the prevention and treatment of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among sex workers. The recommendations are summarized following this Introduction.
This tool is the product of collaboration among sex workers, service providers, researchers, government officials and nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) from around the world, as well as United Nations agencies, and development partners from the United States. The tool is aligned with the 2012 Recommendations. It also refers to a global consultation conducted with sex workers by NSWP as part of the process of developing the 2012 Recommendations. This consultation document is referred to in this tool as the “values and preferences survey”.
You can download this tool for free here.
