05 Mar A new study of the impact of reducing violence against female sex workers on HIV epidemics in Kenya and Ukraine
The study titled “Estimating the Impact of Reducing Violence Against Female Sex Workers on HIV Epidemics in Kenya and Ukraine: A Policy Modeling Exercise” shows the reductions in HIV infections among sex workers which are possible if violence against sex workers is reduced. As the study explains, there is growing evidence linking violence against sex workers to HIV risk, yet there is limited information about the magnitude of that impact.
This study – looking at Kenya and Ukraine – begins to fill that gap, showing an approximate 25% reduction in incident HIV infections among female sex workers was observed when physical or sexual violence was reduced. Similar percent reductions were observed assuming antiretroviral therapy coverage expansion, with approximately 18,200 and 4400 infections averted among female sex workers in Kenya and Ukraine. New infections were also averted in the general population.
The researchers conclude that Reducing violence against female sex workers appears to impart significant reductions in new infections among female sex workers and in the general adult population in both generalized and concentrated epidemics.
Download the study here.