Sex workers, encompassing female, male, and transgender individuals who engage in sexual activities for compensation, are recognized as a “key population” by the WHO and UNAIDS. This categorization underscores their heightened vulnerability to specific health risks, including sexually transmitted infections (STIs), HIV, and violence. Consequently, public health interventions prioritize tailored services such as condom distribution, STI screening, and HIV prevention programs. Beyond healthcare, the WHO advocates for the empowerment of sex workers through the promotion of their rights, safety, and inclusion in health policies and programs, acknowledging the unique challenges they face.
Sex workers encounter a multitude of challenges beyond immediate health concerns, including significant mental health burdens, pervasive stigma and discrimination within both public and healthcare settings, limited access to contraception, and frequent human rights violations. They are also subject to physical and digital violence, further compounding their vulnerability.
Moreover, programs designed to serve sex workers face significant sustainability challenges, particularly in the face of current funding changes such as the PEPFAR freeze, hindering the continuity of vital services and support.
