Mapping the number of female sex workers in countries across sub-Saharan Africa

What is it about?

Female sex workers (FSW) are affected by individual, network, and structural risks, making them vulnerable to poor health and wellbeing. HIV prevention strategies and local community-based programs can rely on estimates of the number of FSW to plan and implement differentiated HIV prevention and treatment services. However, there are limited systematic assessments of the number of FSW in countries across sub-Saharan Africa to facilitate identification of prevention and treatment gaps. Here we provide estimated population sizes of FSW and the corresponding uncertainties for almost all sub-national areas in sub-Saharan Africa.

Featured Image

Photo by Quaid Lagan on Unsplash

Photo by Quaid Lagan on Unsplash

Why is it important?

In 2021, the proportion of sub-national areas in sub-Saharan Africa with FSW size estimates remains low, challenging evidence-based resource allocation for health and HIV services. We produced model-based FSW population size estimates in all areas across sub-Saharan Africa. Ultimately, achieving the vision of no new HIV infections by 2030 necessitates dramatic improvements in our delivery of evidence-based services for sex workers across sub-Saharan Africa.