Publication

Sex workers are disproportionally affected by HIV. In 2022, the relative risk of acquiring HIV was nine times higher for sex workers than for people in the wider population globally, declining from 12 times higher in 2010. In sub-Saharan Africa, annual numbers of sex workers with newly acquired HIV dropped by 50% between 2010 and 2022 according to new modelled estimates. Numbers of new infections among sex workers remain the same outside sub-Saharan Africa and are increasing in some countries. Criminalization of any aspect of sex work, other punitive laws, interpersonal and institutional violence, and stigma and discrimination remain significant barriers to achieving social justice and equality for sex workers, and ensuring health for all through access to and uptake of HIV and sexual and reproductive health services. A median of 26% of sex workers have reported experiencing violence in the past 12 months (20 reporting countries). Related links: New UNAIDS report shows AIDS pandemic can be ended by 2030, but only if leaders boost resources and protect human rights now | Full report