This reference document provides a detailed analysis of transactional sex and discusses
policy options and principles of engagement around transactional sex in the context of
HIV prevention. Although transactional sex is practiced by men and women in all regions
of the world, this document focuses specifically on the determinants and consequences
of adolescent girls’ and young women’s engagement in transactional sex in sub-Saharan
Africa. We focus on this population because of the potential importance of transactional
sex for young women’s HIV risk in this region. The document will not address men who
have sex with men or gay men and transgender people and the engagement around
transactional sex.
