Propaganda is important . . . Aside from the ''sophisticated'' nature of the sex trade, official collusion is a hurdle. Prostitution has developed in an alarming and fairly open manner in Vietnam since 1997 . . . According to MoLISA, an ordinance is being drawn up that would impose stiffer penalties on both sex workers and their customers. Levels of punishment have yet to be announced.
Many observers believe, however, that law enforcement alone has no chance of stemming the trade.
The increasing criminalization will undoubtedly make it more difficult to reach these vulnerable women with credible and effective information and skills to protect themselves from HIV,'' says Duncan Earle, country director of DKT, a non-governmental organization involved in subsidizing and marketing condoms. Another problem is the role of men using sex services. Most women sell sex because they have little choice and, in many cases, have to provide for children or other family members. Nevertheless, in Vietnamese society they are highly stigmatized while it is often considered normal for men to use their services. Aside from traditional gender roles, economic factors cannot be underestimated.