Globally, HIV incidence is slowing; however, HIV epidemics among sex workers are stable or increasing in many settings. This study uses individual-level data to assess the relationships of sex work laws and stigmas in increasing HIV risk among female sex workers across diverse legal contexts in sub-Saharan Africa. Interviewer-administered questionnaires and biological testing were conducted with 7259 female sex workers. Data suggest that increasingly punitive and non-protective laws are associated with prevalent HIV infection, and that stigmas and sex work laws may synergistically increase HIV risks. The findings highlight the fundamental role of evidence-based and human-rights affirming policies towards sex work as part of an effective HIV response.
Publisher
Nature Communications
Published On
Feb 18, 2020
Authors
Carrie E Lyons, Sheree R Schwartz, Sarah M Murray, Kate Shannon, Daouda Diouf, Tampose Mothopeng, Seni Kouanda, Anato Simplice, Abou Kouame, Zandile Mnisi, Ubaldo Tamoufé, Nancy Phaswana-Mafyua, Bai Cham, Fatou M Drame, Mamadù Aliu Djalò, Stefan Baral
Tags
HIV incidence
sex work laws
stigma
female sex workers
sub-Saharan Africa
public health
human rights
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