US gives AIDS NGOs ultimatum on funding

A new US directive requires NGOs receiving government funding for HIV/AIDS programmes in developing countries to pledge their opposition to sex trafficking and commercial sex work. However, critics say the US stance only serves to stifle free speech and might even deter sex-workers from seeking help. The Associated Press quoted Terri Bartlett, vice president for public policy at Population Action International, a women's health advocacy group, as saying: "This policy flies in the face of what we know works. We want to build trust and reduce stigma." Bartlett said although commercial sex work was a harmful occupation, the US policy did more harm by singling out sex-workers.