New HIV infections hit sex workers and their clients

 

Female sex workers in Botswana have the highest HIV prevalence rate and a cumulated number of people living with HIV.

UNAIDS Fast Track Advisor, Dr Chiweni Chimbwete told The Midweek Sun in an interview that 44 per cent of female sex workers in Botswana are living with HIV.

Chimbwe said what is more worrisome is that new HIV infections have been found among female sex workers, as well as their clients, including married men and men in stable relationships.

He noted that interventions to end HIV and AIDS should not be isolated but more programmes should be offered even to clients of female sex workers to avoid them being infected with HIV.

Meanwhile, HIV activist Pako Bootsapo said persons who trade in sex are at increased risk of getting or transmitting HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) because they are more likely to engage in risky sexual behaviours, for instance sex without a condom, sex with multiple partners and substance use.

“At this point I believe there are some who protect themselves even though there will always be some who indulge in unprotected sex. Some opt for unprotected sex which comes at a higher price,” Bootsapo said.

He said it is shocking to still see people deliberately infecting others, and warned the public to know that not everyone will disclose their status.

Bootsapo said that sex workers need to remember that their health is their responsibility and what they do today can change their lives forever.

He said just one episode of unprotected sex with someone whose HIV status they do not know can haunt them for the rest of their life.

Bootsapo urged sex workers to always condomise when having sex with clients and use pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) to reduce chances of getting HIV from an infected person.