HIV rates high among South African sex workers – International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics

HIV positive rates are high among sex workers in South Africa, according to new statistics from the South African National Aids Council (SANAC).

Announced at the launch of a national HIV/AIDS programme for sex workers in Johannesburg on Monday (January 12th), the research noted that around 60 per cent of people in this profession were HIV positive, The New Age reports.

The research noted that sex workers, their “non-commercial partners” and their clients accounted for between six and 11 per cent of new infections in South Africa, a figure described as “concerning”.

Fareed Abdullah, chief executive officer of SANAC, explained that the figures have prompted the organisation to launch a new programme designed to fight HIV and AIDS.

Mr Abdullah told the news provider: “The programme also aimed at ensuring access to state social and health services where sex workers can receive HIV counselling and testing, treatment and contraception.”

According to a UNAIDS report published in 2007, around 12 per cent of the South African population is infected with HIV.

Posted by David Smith