under its umbrella.
Mothering an intensive and large-scale support programme in 14 high prevalence districts of Tamil Nadu, TAI, administered by the Voluntary Health Services, has in two years managed to reach out to 50,000 male and female sex workers in the state with help from 25 NGOs.
"TAI addresses the vulnerability of the sex workers," says project director and medical professional Laxmi Bai. TAI attempts to address the low self-esteem of the sex worker and the poor socio-economic background.
"Surveys reflect the continued threat of extreme violence faced by the community," she adds.
"My husband suspected me of infidelity... Soon after marriage, one day he poured hot oil on my legs. Then he stopped giving me any money... I had no way to support my baby and drifted into commercial sex work," Sundari, a TAI community leader now, told IANS.
"When I first came to the TAI centre I was afraid, now I am with them. I tell everyone about condom use and talk to other women about TAI services. I lead a life of grace and confidence."
TAI also offers two path-breaking initiatives, "Akshay Patram' and "Vastra Dhanam", food and clothing to destitute women so that they can be prevented from entering sex work
"When I first came to the 'natpukuddam' (TAI-NGO contact centre), I was dirty and in rags... Today I have six pairs of clothing and enough to feed my baby son and me," 18-year-old Sarada from Salem says.
The 32 TAI and other clinics for sexually transmitted diseases reach out to 33,000 people with structured intermitted therapy (SIT) treatment services.
Compared to 60 odd people visiting a TAI clinic a year ago, now each clinic has more than 600 people coming it, say TAI officials.
'TAI Sundaramukhi' and 'Naam' programmes help eliminate fear and promote health-seeking behaviour. TAI helps sex workers, transvestites and HIV positive people with occupationa
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