partners are key populations at risk of HIV

interventions targeting sex workers

Sex workers, their clients and regular partners are key populations at risk of HIV. Contextual factors such as stigma and poverty may further exacerbate sex workers' vulnerability to HIV.

Interventions aimed at empowering sex workers and at providing them with HIV prevention, treatment, and care and support services have proven to be effective in a wide range of formal and informal sex-work settings.

To maximize programme effectiveness, sex workers' needs and vulnerabilities must be determined, and sex workers must be proactively involved in programme design and delivery. Legal and social frameworks that are consistent with human rights principles are also needed.

Priority interventions for the prevention of sexual transmission of HIV and other STIs among sex workers include:

• Promoting and supporting condom use
• Detection and management of sexually transmitted infections
• Behaviour change communication through peer outreach
• HIV testing and counselling

Antiretroviral therapy (ART) should be dispensed in accordance with the revised 2009 WHO ART recommendations.

HIV and STI prevention activities for sex workers can be delivered through health facilities, community-based settings and peer outreach.