Medicine and Health

The role of sex work laws and stigmas in increasing HIV risks among sex workers

C. E. Lyons, S. R. Schwartz, et al.

This groundbreaking study reveals how punitive sex work laws and societal stigmas are intricately linked to rising HIV risks among female sex workers in sub-Saharan Africa. Conducted by a dedicated team of researchers, including Carrie E Lyons and Sheree R Schwartz from Johns Hopkins School of Public Health, the findings call for urgent policy changes to promote human rights and effective HIV responses.

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Abstract

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

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