Sex workers are called "Entertainment Workers" (EW's) in Cambodia. KHANA is a SR and works with 32 SSRs to implement programs, mostly among key populations. KEMRA is the SSR for EW's, running the program called "Smart Girl"

Outreach, HIV testing, and condom distribution is done at venues such as KTV's. This evening a session takes place at the "Diamond KTV". More than 100 girls work here. Usually, when a client comes here, he enters a room and spends an hour or longer with one or more girls. The actual karaoke is part of the foreplay. They pay for the beer, not the room. Typical rates are USD 15 per hour, depending on choice of beer.

There are an estimated 32,000 EWs in Cambodia, roughly 20,000 of them in Phnom Penh. The ones working at the KTV's are relatively easy to reach and less at risk for HIV than for example the street workers, who don't have a fixed working location, earn less, and are exploited more. They are also more reluctant to get tested because HIV prevalence is much higher. Many want to remain in denial about their status, as it may complicate their work.

More than 50% of EWs experience abortion at some point in their lives. That's why birth control (Condoms as well as other means) is an important element of the program as well.

Tonight's session at the KTV: two female educators are EWs themselves and work here too - they perform the HIV tests. A typical group for an educational session is about 6 girls. Tonight we have roughly double that number. Two release forms are used for all the girls present. The session starts with information. The girls are given flyers that can be used as fan as well. Typical age of the girls working here is between 19-35. The session takes about 30 minutes and is held once or twice a month at every targeted KTV.
After information is provided, and some condoms are provided, girls volunteer to get tested. After testing and the result is known, there is an opportunity for to get one-one-one counseling with one of the health workers.

Stigma is quite an issue for EWs. They are looked down upon. That's why they are reluctant to go to a health center, and that's why the services provided here at the venue are so important.