Data Base

Dr. K

"Action for Reach Out (AFRO) has not been a new name to me since around 2002 when Sister Ann (the founder of AFRO) was still here."

Dr. K looks alike to Arale in "Dr. Slump" with her signature thick black glasses. She is the voluntary doctor at AFRO who is committed to HIV/AIDS prevention for sex workers. Different from other doctors, Dr. K is so friendly and caring that some sex workers did not believe she was really a doctor and asked her for proof of profession!

"The minorities are the most vulnerable in society, suffering from marginalisation, discrimination, stigmatisation… They do not gain much support in fundraising, voluntary work, etc. because they are not popular topics in society." I thought Dr. K was extremely ambitious and determined to change or fight for something, but she responded lightly, "I just do what I can when I am still able to."

AFRO was established because Sister Ann witnessed how adverse the living condition of sex workers was -- they were not identified or recognised by the majority; they were not concerned by others; they were not respected even when they went to the doctors. In around 2007, AFRO collaborated with The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) and got funding from the AIDS Trust Fund for providing the sexual health screening service for sex workers.

"Sex workers are just normal people. In my eyes, everyone who comes here (AFRO) for screening is my patient." Dr. K said,  "They all have different stories. Their choice of engaging in a stigmatised job, more or less, reflects some of their life experience. Most of the girls who engage in compensated dating are hardworking and diligent. They just choose a different path."

Apart from screening service for sex workers in the centre Dr. K also goes to the bar, karaoke and nightclub for outreach. When she was asked about her most unforgettable experience, she blurted out, "Chatting with sisters about their health condition and screening for them in the back staircase." It is really unforgettable (even for the staff team) to do screening in such a cramped environment, be blamed by the nightclub hostesses and deal with sisters' problems. It is an amazing experience to step into their shoes and understand their daily life.

"Preventing HIV/AIDS and sexually transmitted infections is not only about telling them to use condoms or do a screening. As a doctor, I do not just 'close file' after prescribing medicines and providing treatment to sisters who are unfortunately infected, but I build mutual trust with them through communication and care so that I can inspire them to change some little habits and viewpoints."

Sexual health, human rights and crimes are the more well-known problems faced by sex workers. Their mental health problems are less concerned. Even the sex workers themselves may not be aware of the pressure they can bear. Through screening service, sex workers are more willing to open up and share their problems.

"After all, I can only spot the problems. The follow-up work has to be done by other colleagues. Although funding plays an important role in NGO, people are the most important. Without human resources input, the follow-up work can't be done even if there is enough funding."

In fact, medical and healthcare is also a human-oriented occupation. A sincere heart to communicate is the most precious inside all of us.