Launch of Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) Guideline for Services to Female Sex Workers Who Use and Inject Drugs

Greater Women Initiative for Health and Rights (GWIHR) recently hosted a groundbreaking event focused on the official launch of a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) guideline specifically tailored for providing high-quality, comprehensive services to female sex workers who use and inject drugs. This SOP launch marks a significant milestone in our commitment to ensuring that service delivery within sex workers who use and inject drugs community is not only accessible but also aligns with international best practices that prioritize health, rights, and dignity.

Understanding the Unique Needs of Female Sex Workers Who Use and Inject Drugs Female sex workers who use and inject drugs represent a unique population with distinct health and social service needs. Often, they face compounded challenges, including legal and social discrimination, limited access to essential healthcare, and barriers to receiving harm reduction resources. This new SOP is designed to address these challenges head-on, aiming to improve the quality and accessibility of services available to them.

The guideline reflects months of collaborative research, dialogue, and input from the community itself. Central to its creation was the inclusion of the voices and lived experiences of female sex workers who use and inject drugs. By engaging directly with these individuals, we were able to gather valuable insights into the specific needs, barriers, and gaps in current service delivery frameworks.

Key Highlights of the SOP Launch Meeting

The launch meeting provided an open, interactive platform for stakeholders—including healthcare providers, harm reduction specialists, community advocates, and sex workers—to come together and discuss the SOP’s goals, strategies, and impact. Some highlights from the meeting included:

1. Lived Experience Testimonies – Female sex workers shared their personal experiences navigating the healthcare and social service systems. Their stories underscored the urgency for a more inclusive approach that respects their autonomy and addresses stigmatization within service settings.
2. Panel Discussions on Best Practices – Experts in harm reduction and sexual health led discussions on best practices in supporting sex workers who use and inject drugs. The SOP’s framework draws from these insights, ensuring that GWIHR’s services remain informed, compassionate, and effective.
3. Workshops on Enhancing Service Delivery – Service providers participated in hands-on workshops aimed at understanding the SOP’s protocols, learning practical strategies to reduce harm, and gaining insights into how to deliver non-judgmental, respectful care to female sex workers who use/inject drugs.
4. Policy Recommendation – The event highlighted policy recommendations to reduce systemic barriers for this community. Stakeholders discussed steps to advocate for policy changes that can support the SOP’s implementation, including the need for decriminalization of drug use and sex work, which are critical in creating a safer, more supportive environment.

Advancing the Health and Rights of Female Sex Workers who Use and Inject Drugs

The SOP guideline is more than a document; it is a blueprint for transformative change. By standardizing best practices, we aim to support healthcare providers, community organizations in delivering sensitive and respectful services to female sex workers who use and inject drugs. Additionally, we seek to protect their rights by advocating for fair policies and educating service providers on the importance of a stigma-free approach.

Our commitment remains steadfast: to create a safer, healthier, and more equitable environment where the health and rights of all individuals, regardless of their background or choices, are respected and protected.

Looking Ahead

Following this launch, GWIHR will be rolling out a series of training sessions for healthcare and social service providers on the new SOP guideline, with a focus on building empathetic, inclusive, and harm-reducing approaches in their service delivery. We will also continue working with female sex workers to refine and adapt these practices, ensuring the SOP remains dynamic and responsive to the community’s evolving needs.

Thank you to all the partners, allies, and community members who made this launch a success. Together, we can drive meaningful change and foster a supportive environment where every person is treated with dignity and respect. Funded by ViiV HealthCare