Sex workers face an increased burden of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and blood-borne infections. Globally, female sex workers are estimated to be 30 times more likely to be living with HIV than other women of reproductive age. In 2019, the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS estimated a mean HIV prevalence of 36% among sex workers. The average reported prevalence of active syphilis among sex workers is 10.8% (range 5.8% to 30.3%) (WHO, GHO, 2020). While less is known about the prevalence or incidence of other STIs and viral hepatitis infections among sex workers, increased rates have been documented in different contexts around the globe.

Sex workers face high levels of stigma and criminalization almost everywhere. Modelling studies indicate that decriminalizing sex work could lead to a 46% reduction in new HIV infections in sex workers over 10 years, while eliminating sexual violence against sex workers could lead to a 20% reduction in new HIV infections.

WHO supports countries in their efforts to: address these structural barriers, ensure human rights for sex workers, and to implement a comprehensive package of HIV and other STI services through community-led approaches.

A number of priority health interventions can target prevention of HIV and other STIs among sex workers.