OSH, Kyrgyzstan -- An official in the southern Kyrgyz city of Osh says the city administration has launched a campaign against prostitution, RFE/RL's Kyrgyz Service reports.
Tursunay Aitmatova, the head of the Osh's administration security and defense office, told RFE/RL that the department will carry out surprise raids and check suspected brothels and other sites.
Aitmatova added that in addition to law-enforcement officials, journalists and civil representatives will be involved in the campaign.
Osh police said four cases have been initiated recently on charges of inducement to sexual activity, and some 250 sex workers have been ordered to be tested for sexually transmitted diseases.
The Osh region has seen a rapid increase in HIV/AIDS, drug addiction, and prostitution in recent years. Some 80 percent of officially registered HIV-positive people in the region are drug users.