Integrated Bio-behavioral surveillance and population size estimation survey among Female Sex Workers in Tbilisi and Batumi, Georgia, in 2024

We’re excited to announce the completion of a significant study conducted in 2024 that estimates HIV-related risk behaviors and HIV and syphilis prevalence among female sex workers (FSWs) in Tbilisi and Batumi, Georgia.

Building on surveys initiated in 2002, the study employed a method known as Time-Location Sampling (TLS), successfully recruiting a total of 350 female sex workers—200 from Tbilisi and 150 from Batumi. The primary goals were to measure the prevalence of HIV and syphilis among FSWs, assess key risk behaviors associated with these infections.

Back in 2014, we conducted the first Population Size Estimation (PSE) of FSWs in Georgia. Recognizing that at-risk populations may change; we repeated this estimation in conjunction with a bio-behavioral study to ensure accuracy and relevance.

This essential research was done in collaboration with the National Center for Disease Control and Public Health, funded by the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria (GFATM), and implemented by the Curatio International Foundation (CIF) and Counseling on Reproductive Health – Tanadgoma.

This report is an important step towards improving and influencing future public health initiatives and policies for key populations in Georgia.

Please see the full report here:FSW IBBS and PSE report 2024_English

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