PIP: The Chamber of Commerce of Bogota conducted a study of prostitution in the city with the participation of prostitutes themselves. In 1990, around 14,000 women were found to be working as prostitutes in the city's center, with 44% concentrated in the barrios of La Alameda, Las Nieves, and San Bernardo. Over 70% of the women were born outside of Bogota. 82% were aged 15-40 years; the age range was 9-60 years. 1200 minors were counted. A 1992 study in the sector of Chapinero revealed 3480 women working as prostitutes. 81% had migrated to the city and 96% were aged 15-40 years. Visible street prostitution was infrequent. A 1993 study of child prostitution in a smaller area than the 1990 center-city study revealed 2959 minors, suggesting that the number had nearly tripled. 60% were natives of the city. A 1994 study of 200 male prostitutes in the center-city found that 24% were natives of Bogota. 32% had left home before the age of 10. 89% had become prostitutes before their 16th birthday. 17% were HIV-seropositive; most of their clients were married men. In all cases, the factors leading to prostitution originated within the family and included physical mistreatment, sexual abuse by parents or stepparents, rejection and abandonment, as well as lack of income, unemployment, and lack of skills. Information on HIV infection was incomplete and ineffective. The number of indigent and homeless persons and that of drug addicts living on the streets of Bogota is not known. A large number of governmental and nongovernmental organizations attempt to provide help, but their efforts are not guided by any coherent plan of action.