Brothels exist because there is demand: Dr Jamsheed

Minister of Health Dr Ahmed Jamsheed has said that brothels exist in the Maldives because there is demand for the services provided by them.

Speaking at a press conference at Velaanaage Press Room today, Dr Jamsheed said that this is an issue that should be of concern to people who obtain these services, as well as to all citizens of Maldives.

“The government is fighting to put an end to these activities. This year alone, the Police have closed down several brothels. The message I want to give is, that brothels exist because there is demand for their services,” he said.

Dr Jamsheed said that those who visit brothels should be aware of the dangers associated with such activities.

Referring to the spread of HIV, he said that HIV was found in a woman who was caught working as a prostitute in 2008. She was deported, but caught again in 2009 working as a prostitute at another brothel in Maldives.

He said that HIV was also found in a foreign woman caught this year for prostitution and smuggling drugs.

Dr Jamsheed advised Maldivians to think about the fact that the activities of people who visit brothels can destroy their own lives, as well as the lives of several others.

He said that Maldivians should be aware of the dangers that arise as a result of participation in such activities.

Dr Jamsheed said that questions are often posed to him when the Police close down brothels.

“Every time there is talk about brothels, people pose questions to me or Health Ministry, such as, ‘why aren’t those places shut down?’ The places closed down by Police do not require permission from Health Ministry in order to operate,” he said.

He explained that it is not within Health Ministry’s mandate to order that those places be closed down.

He said that a recent meeting between Economic Ministry and Islamic Ministry revealed that the closed down brothels had not been registered with any government authority.

Dr Jamsheed said that discussions are under way with Economic Minister, about ways to address the problem of prostitution. He said that the health sector will have the authority to regulate and monitor health-related facilities once the law on protection of general health comes into effect.

Referring to the spread of HIV in Maldives, Dr Jamsheed said that he does not agree with the belief that the virus cannot be contracted if one abides strictly by the rules of Islam; rather, even true Muslims are at risk to some extent.

A recent survey showed that the risk of HIV is high in the Maldives, due to increase in activities that spreads the virus, such as injecting drugs and prostitution.