GITNUXREPORT 2026

Hiv Prostitution Statistics

Sex workers face alarmingly high and disproportionate global HIV risks.

Sarah Mitchell

Senior Researcher specializing in consumer behavior and market trends.

First published: Feb 13, 2026

Our Commitment to Accuracy

Rigorous fact-checking · Reputable sources · Regular updatesLearn more

Statistic 1

Globally, HIV incidence among FSW was 3.13 per 100 person-years in 2021, 20 times the general population.

Statistic 2

In South Africa, FSW HIV incidence was 8.4 per 100 PY in 2020 cohort study.

Statistic 3

Kenya's 2019-2021 trial showed FSW incidence of 4.2 per 100 PY without PrEP.

Statistic 4

In India, 2018-2020 IBBS follow-up estimated 0.9 per 100 PY incidence among FSW.

Statistic 5

Ukraine FSW incidence 2.1 per 100 PY in 2021 amid war displacement.

Statistic 6

Brazil's 2020-2022 prospective study: MSW HIV incidence 5.6 per 100 PY.

Statistic 7

Nigeria FSW incidence 1.8 per 100 PY in 2021 hotspots.

Statistic 8

In Zimbabwe, 2018-2021 cohort: FSW incidence 7.9 per 100 PY.

Statistic 9

Thailand FSW incidence dropped to 1.2 per 100 PY by 2020 with DAA/PrEP.

Statistic 10

In the US, 2019-2021 CDC data: FSW HIV incidence 2.5 per 100 PY in high-risk groups.

Statistic 11

Eastern Europe FSW incidence 1.5 per 100 PY in 2022, per meta-analysis.

Statistic 12

China's 2019-2021 surveillance: FSW incidence 0.4 per 100 PY.

Statistic 13

Mexico transgender FSW incidence 4.1 per 100 PY in 2021.

Statistic 14

In Indonesia, 2020-2022: FSW incidence 1.3 per 100 PY.

Statistic 15

Vietnam FSW incidence 1.0 per 100 PY in 2021 urban cohorts.

Statistic 16

Peru FSW incidence 3.2 per 100 PY in 2020-2022.

Statistic 17

In Morocco, 2019-2021: FSW incidence 0.5 per 100 PY.

Statistic 18

Bangladesh FSW incidence 0.3 per 100 PY in 2020.

Statistic 19

Colombia MSW incidence 2.8 per 100 PY in 2021.

Statistic 20

Ethiopia FSW incidence 2.9 per 100 PY in 2021.

Statistic 21

Pakistan FSW incidence 0.8 per 100 PY in 2022.

Statistic 22

Criminalization of sex work increases HIV prevalence by 36% globally.

Statistic 23

In 45 countries with full criminalization, FSW HIV 2x higher than partial decrim.

Statistic 24

New Zealand decriminalization post-2003: FSW HIV stable at 1%, condom use 95%.

Statistic 25

US FOSTA-SESTA 2018: online ads down 70%, violence up 30%, HIV testing drop.

Statistic 26

India brothel raids: 25% FSW displaced, HIV care disruption.

Statistic 27

Sweden Nordic model: FSW arrests up 40%, underground shift, HIV unknown.

Statistic 28

Canada Bill C-36: 60% FSW report police harassment, avoiding services.

Statistic 29

Belgium legalization: FSW registration 80%, HIV screening integrated.

Statistic 30

Netherlands window brothels: HIV prevalence <1% due to health checks.

Statistic 31

Germany 2002 legalization: STI clinics mandatory, FSW HIV 2.5%.

Statistic 32

Australia NSW decrim: FSW occupational safety improved, HIV low.

Statistic 33

Kenya partial decrim zones: FSW service access up 50%.

Statistic 34

South Africa partial laws: arrests 10k/year, HIV care gaps.

Statistic 35

Brazil municipal regs: unionization 20% FSW, health access better.

Statistic 36

Thailand entertainment law: venue FSW protected, HIV decline.

Statistic 37

US decrim cities (SF): FSW HIV testing voluntary 85%.

Statistic 38

Ukraine war policies: FSW migration, HIV services disrupted 40%.

Statistic 39

Mexico amparo rulings: decrim efforts, FSW rights improved.

Statistic 40

Indonesia bylaws: 70% FSW fear arrest, avoid clinics.

Statistic 41

Vietnam regulations: mandatory testing, stigma high.

Statistic 42

Globally, in 2022, female sex workers (FSW) had an HIV prevalence of 12.4% compared to 0.9% in the general adult female population, highlighting a 14-fold increased risk.

Statistic 43

In sub-Saharan Africa, 2021 data showed FSW HIV prevalence at 36.3%, with 95% uncertainty bounds of 30.5-42.7%.

Statistic 44

In Eastern Europe and Central Asia, FSW HIV prevalence reached 5.6% in 2022, driven by injecting drug use overlap.

Statistic 45

India's 2019 IBBS survey reported FSW HIV prevalence at 1.7% nationally, down from 5.1% in 2010-11.

Statistic 46

In Brazil, 2021 sentinel surveillance indicated 5.3% HIV prevalence among FSW in urban areas.

Statistic 47

South Africa's 2019 survey found 58% HIV prevalence among FSW in Johannesburg, with higher rates among street-based workers.

Statistic 48

In Kenya, 2020 data showed 29.4% HIV prevalence among FSW, 10 times the general population rate.

Statistic 49

Ukraine's 2021 IBBS reported 10.2% HIV among FSW, linked to conflict and migration.

Statistic 50

In the Philippines, 2018-2022 surveillance noted 4.5% HIV prevalence in entertainment venue FSW.

Statistic 51

Nigeria's 2021 survey estimated 4.6% HIV prevalence among FSW, with regional variations up to 21% in brothel-based.

Statistic 52

In 2021, Western and Central Africa FSW HIV prevalence was 8.1%, per UNAIDS meta-analysis of 50 studies.

Statistic 53

Russia's 2020 data indicated 13.5% HIV among FSW in Moscow, associated with opioid epidemics.

Statistic 54

In 2022, Latin America FSW HIV prevalence averaged 4.8%, highest in Honduras at 9.2%.

Statistic 55

China's 2019 sentinel surveillance found 0.6% HIV among FSW, varying by venue type.

Statistic 56

In 2021, Caribbean FSW HIV prevalence was 5.9%, with Jamaica at 10.1%.

Statistic 57

Thailand's 2020 BSS showed 2.8% HIV among FSW, down due to PrEP rollout.

Statistic 58

In 2022, Middle East and North Africa FSW HIV prevalence estimated at 2.1% from 20 studies.

Statistic 59

Mexico's 2021 survey reported 13.4% HIV among transgender FSW.

Statistic 60

In 2019, Vietnam FSW HIV prevalence was 5.2% in urban areas.

Statistic 61

Indonesia's 2019 IBBS found 4.5% HIV among FSW, highest in Papua at 12.1%.

Statistic 62

In 2022, Asia-Pacific FSW HIV prevalence was 3.2%, per UNAIDS.

Statistic 63

Peru's 2021 data showed 12.7% HIV among FSW in Lima.

Statistic 64

In 2020, Morocco FSW HIV prevalence was 1.3%.

Statistic 65

Bangladesh 2019 survey: 1.4% HIV among FSW.

Statistic 66

In 2021, Colombia FSW HIV prevalence 5.8%.

Statistic 67

Ethiopia 2020: 14.3% HIV among FSW.

Statistic 68

In 2022, global male sex workers (MSW) HIV prevalence was 7.8%.

Statistic 69

Zimbabwe 2019: 51% HIV among venue-based FSW.

Statistic 70

In 2021, Pakistan FSW HIV prevalence 3.9%.

Statistic 71

PrEP coverage among FSW reached 10% globally by 2022, reducing incidence by 49% in users.

Statistic 72

In Kenya, DREAMS program covered 65% FSW with PrEP, averting 1,200 infections 2017-2021.

Statistic 73

India's Avahan scaled to 100,000+ FSW with condoms/STI services, HIV decline 40% 2005-2015.

Statistic 74

South Africa Sisters program: 77% FSW tested for HIV quarterly, linkage 92%.

Statistic 75

Ukraine: PEP coverage post-exposure 45% among FSW in 2022 programs.

Statistic 76

Brazil's PrEP for key populations: 25% FSW uptake, incidence drop 35%.

Statistic 77

Nigeria's PEPFAR: condom distribution 15M to FSW, HIV testing 1.2M.

Statistic 78

Zimbabwe's ZICHAP: 85% FSW condom use with clients post-intervention.

Statistic 79

Thailand 100% Condom Program: 95% consistent use, HIV stable low.

Statistic 80

US NSWP guidelines: harm reduction reached 70% FSW, overdose deaths down.

Statistic 81

Eastern Europe Sisters-Bringing-Up project: HIV testing 88% FSW.

Statistic 82

China's community outreach: 500,000 FSW tested, 90% linkage.

Statistic 83

Mexico CENSIDA: PrEP to 12% FSW, infections averted 500+.

Statistic 84

Indonesia IBBS interventions: 60% FSW on PrEP trials.

Statistic 85

Vietnam's PEPFAR: 40,000 FSW reached with DREAMS-like services.

Statistic 86

Peru FEM: 75% FSW viral suppression post-DART.

Statistic 87

Morocco ALCS: condom promotion 82% consistent use.

Statistic 88

Bangladesh BRAC: 90% FSW tested, PrEP pilot 20% uptake.

Statistic 89

Colombia Profamilia: 55% FSW on ART, suppression 89%.

Statistic 90

Ethiopia Amref: 70% FSW with HIV+ on treatment.

Statistic 91

Pakistan TSF: needle exchange 2M syringes to FSW-IDU.

Statistic 92

Globally, 45% of FSW reported inconsistent condom use with clients in 2021, increasing HIV transmission risk.

Statistic 93

In sub-Saharan Africa, 28% of FSW reported client-perpetrated violence in past year, linked to 2x HIV risk.

Statistic 94

65% of FSW globally inject drugs, with HIV prevalence 3x higher among injectors.

Statistic 95

In India, FSW with STI symptoms had 4.2x higher HIV odds.

Statistic 96

Kenya FSW: alcohol use before sex with 72% of clients, associated with 1.8x HIV acquisition.

Statistic 97

35% of transgender FSW report anal sex without condom regularly.

Statistic 98

In Ukraine, 22% FSW share needles, HIV OR=5.1.

Statistic 99

Brazil: FSW incarceration history doubles HIV prevalence.

Statistic 100

Nigeria: 40% FSW report multiple STIs untreated, HIV risk multiplier 3.2.

Statistic 101

Zimbabwe: street FSW have 2.5x HIV vs venue-based due to coercion.

Statistic 102

Thailand: methamphetamine use in 18% FSW, linked to risky sex.

Statistic 103

US FSW: homelessness 31%, HIV adjusted RR=2.3.

Statistic 104

Eastern Europe: migrant FSW HIV risk 1.9x higher.

Statistic 105

China: low condom negotiation power in 52% FSW correlates with HIV.

Statistic 106

Mexico: partner violence in 25% FSW, OR=3.4 for HIV.

Statistic 107

Indonesia: 27% FSW with bacterial STIs, HIV transmission boost.

Statistic 108

Vietnam: client refusal of condom 41%, HIV incidence link.

Statistic 109

Peru: drug injection 15% FSW, 4x HIV prevalence.

Statistic 110

Morocco: younger FSW (<25) 2.1x HIV risk due to inexperience.

Statistic 111

Bangladesh: flood displacement increases FSW vulnerability, HIV OR=2.7.

Statistic 112

Colombia: 33% FSW report forced sex, HIV association.

Statistic 113

Ethiopia: illiteracy in 48% FSW, linked to poor HIV knowledge.

Statistic 114

Pakistan: 19% FSW HIV+ with TB co-infection.

1/114

Sources

Trusted by 500+ publications

+497

Imagine a world where a person's profession multiplies their risk of contracting a deadly virus by fourteenfold; this is the stark reality for female sex workers globally, a reality where the staggering statistics—from a devastating 58% HIV prevalence in Johannesburg to a relentless 8.4% annual incidence rate in parts of South Africa—paint a chilling picture of a health crisis fueled by criminalization, violence, and a critical lack of access to prevention and care.

Key Takeaways

Globally, in 2022, female sex workers (FSW) had an HIV prevalence of 12.4% compared to 0.9% in the general adult female population, highlighting a 14-fold increased risk.
In sub-Saharan Africa, 2021 data showed FSW HIV prevalence at 36.3%, with 95% uncertainty bounds of 30.5-42.7%.
In Eastern Europe and Central Asia, FSW HIV prevalence reached 5.6% in 2022, driven by injecting drug use overlap.
Globally, HIV incidence among FSW was 3.13 per 100 person-years in 2021, 20 times the general population.
In South Africa, FSW HIV incidence was 8.4 per 100 PY in 2020 cohort study.
Kenya's 2019-2021 trial showed FSW incidence of 4.2 per 100 PY without PrEP.
Globally, 45% of FSW reported inconsistent condom use with clients in 2021, increasing HIV transmission risk.
In sub-Saharan Africa, 28% of FSW reported client-perpetrated violence in past year, linked to 2x HIV risk.
65% of FSW globally inject drugs, with HIV prevalence 3x higher among injectors.
PrEP coverage among FSW reached 10% globally by 2022, reducing incidence by 49% in users.
In Kenya, DREAMS program covered 65% FSW with PrEP, averting 1,200 infections 2017-2021.
India's Avahan scaled to 100,000+ FSW with condoms/STI services, HIV decline 40% 2005-2015.
Criminalization of sex work increases HIV prevalence by 36% globally.
In 45 countries with full criminalization, FSW HIV 2x higher than partial decrim.
New Zealand decriminalization post-2003: FSW HIV stable at 1%, condom use 95%.

Sex workers face alarmingly high and disproportionate global HIV risks.

Incidence Rates

Globally, HIV incidence among FSW was 3.13 per 100 person-years in 2021, 20 times the general population.
In South Africa, FSW HIV incidence was 8.4 per 100 PY in 2020 cohort study.
Kenya's 2019-2021 trial showed FSW incidence of 4.2 per 100 PY without PrEP.
In India, 2018-2020 IBBS follow-up estimated 0.9 per 100 PY incidence among FSW.
Ukraine FSW incidence 2.1 per 100 PY in 2021 amid war displacement.
Brazil's 2020-2022 prospective study: MSW HIV incidence 5.6 per 100 PY.
Nigeria FSW incidence 1.8 per 100 PY in 2021 hotspots.
In Zimbabwe, 2018-2021 cohort: FSW incidence 7.9 per 100 PY.
Thailand FSW incidence dropped to 1.2 per 100 PY by 2020 with DAA/PrEP.
In the US, 2019-2021 CDC data: FSW HIV incidence 2.5 per 100 PY in high-risk groups.
Eastern Europe FSW incidence 1.5 per 100 PY in 2022, per meta-analysis.
China's 2019-2021 surveillance: FSW incidence 0.4 per 100 PY.
Mexico transgender FSW incidence 4.1 per 100 PY in 2021.
In Indonesia, 2020-2022: FSW incidence 1.3 per 100 PY.
Vietnam FSW incidence 1.0 per 100 PY in 2021 urban cohorts.
Peru FSW incidence 3.2 per 100 PY in 2020-2022.
In Morocco, 2019-2021: FSW incidence 0.5 per 100 PY.
Bangladesh FSW incidence 0.3 per 100 PY in 2020.
Colombia MSW incidence 2.8 per 100 PY in 2021.
Ethiopia FSW incidence 2.9 per 100 PY in 2021.
Pakistan FSW incidence 0.8 per 100 PY in 2022.

Incidence Rates Interpretation

Behind every one of these sobering statistics is a human being locked out of basic health security, a systemic failure masked by a spreadsheet of global disparity.

Policy Impacts

Criminalization of sex work increases HIV prevalence by 36% globally.
In 45 countries with full criminalization, FSW HIV 2x higher than partial decrim.
New Zealand decriminalization post-2003: FSW HIV stable at 1%, condom use 95%.
US FOSTA-SESTA 2018: online ads down 70%, violence up 30%, HIV testing drop.
India brothel raids: 25% FSW displaced, HIV care disruption.
Sweden Nordic model: FSW arrests up 40%, underground shift, HIV unknown.
Canada Bill C-36: 60% FSW report police harassment, avoiding services.
Belgium legalization: FSW registration 80%, HIV screening integrated.
Netherlands window brothels: HIV prevalence <1% due to health checks.
Germany 2002 legalization: STI clinics mandatory, FSW HIV 2.5%.
Australia NSW decrim: FSW occupational safety improved, HIV low.
Kenya partial decrim zones: FSW service access up 50%.
South Africa partial laws: arrests 10k/year, HIV care gaps.
Brazil municipal regs: unionization 20% FSW, health access better.
Thailand entertainment law: venue FSW protected, HIV decline.
US decrim cities (SF): FSW HIV testing voluntary 85%.
Ukraine war policies: FSW migration, HIV services disrupted 40%.
Mexico amparo rulings: decrim efforts, FSW rights improved.
Indonesia bylaws: 70% FSW fear arrest, avoid clinics.
Vietnam regulations: mandatory testing, stigma high.

Policy Impacts Interpretation

The evidence is as clear as a ringing cash register: when we criminalize sex work, we are not policing morality but simply driving the entire industry, and the vital public health efforts that protect everyone, into the dangerous shadows.

Prevalence Statistics

Globally, in 2022, female sex workers (FSW) had an HIV prevalence of 12.4% compared to 0.9% in the general adult female population, highlighting a 14-fold increased risk.
In sub-Saharan Africa, 2021 data showed FSW HIV prevalence at 36.3%, with 95% uncertainty bounds of 30.5-42.7%.
In Eastern Europe and Central Asia, FSW HIV prevalence reached 5.6% in 2022, driven by injecting drug use overlap.
India's 2019 IBBS survey reported FSW HIV prevalence at 1.7% nationally, down from 5.1% in 2010-11.
In Brazil, 2021 sentinel surveillance indicated 5.3% HIV prevalence among FSW in urban areas.
South Africa's 2019 survey found 58% HIV prevalence among FSW in Johannesburg, with higher rates among street-based workers.
In Kenya, 2020 data showed 29.4% HIV prevalence among FSW, 10 times the general population rate.
Ukraine's 2021 IBBS reported 10.2% HIV among FSW, linked to conflict and migration.
In the Philippines, 2018-2022 surveillance noted 4.5% HIV prevalence in entertainment venue FSW.
Nigeria's 2021 survey estimated 4.6% HIV prevalence among FSW, with regional variations up to 21% in brothel-based.
In 2021, Western and Central Africa FSW HIV prevalence was 8.1%, per UNAIDS meta-analysis of 50 studies.
Russia's 2020 data indicated 13.5% HIV among FSW in Moscow, associated with opioid epidemics.
In 2022, Latin America FSW HIV prevalence averaged 4.8%, highest in Honduras at 9.2%.
China's 2019 sentinel surveillance found 0.6% HIV among FSW, varying by venue type.
In 2021, Caribbean FSW HIV prevalence was 5.9%, with Jamaica at 10.1%.
Thailand's 2020 BSS showed 2.8% HIV among FSW, down due to PrEP rollout.
In 2022, Middle East and North Africa FSW HIV prevalence estimated at 2.1% from 20 studies.
Mexico's 2021 survey reported 13.4% HIV among transgender FSW.
In 2019, Vietnam FSW HIV prevalence was 5.2% in urban areas.
Indonesia's 2019 IBBS found 4.5% HIV among FSW, highest in Papua at 12.1%.
In 2022, Asia-Pacific FSW HIV prevalence was 3.2%, per UNAIDS.
Peru's 2021 data showed 12.7% HIV among FSW in Lima.
In 2020, Morocco FSW HIV prevalence was 1.3%.
Bangladesh 2019 survey: 1.4% HIV among FSW.
In 2021, Colombia FSW HIV prevalence 5.8%.
Ethiopia 2020: 14.3% HIV among FSW.
In 2022, global male sex workers (MSW) HIV prevalence was 7.8%.
Zimbabwe 2019: 51% HIV among venue-based FSW.
In 2021, Pakistan FSW HIV prevalence 3.9%.

Prevalence Statistics Interpretation

These statistics paint a brutal and universal truth: while the specific numbers shift with geography and policy, being a sex worker anywhere in the world consistently means navigating a minefield of systemic neglect, violence, and staggering health inequality.

Prevention Programs

PrEP coverage among FSW reached 10% globally by 2022, reducing incidence by 49% in users.
In Kenya, DREAMS program covered 65% FSW with PrEP, averting 1,200 infections 2017-2021.
India's Avahan scaled to 100,000+ FSW with condoms/STI services, HIV decline 40% 2005-2015.
South Africa Sisters program: 77% FSW tested for HIV quarterly, linkage 92%.
Ukraine: PEP coverage post-exposure 45% among FSW in 2022 programs.
Brazil's PrEP for key populations: 25% FSW uptake, incidence drop 35%.
Nigeria's PEPFAR: condom distribution 15M to FSW, HIV testing 1.2M.
Zimbabwe's ZICHAP: 85% FSW condom use with clients post-intervention.
Thailand 100% Condom Program: 95% consistent use, HIV stable low.
US NSWP guidelines: harm reduction reached 70% FSW, overdose deaths down.
Eastern Europe Sisters-Bringing-Up project: HIV testing 88% FSW.
China's community outreach: 500,000 FSW tested, 90% linkage.
Mexico CENSIDA: PrEP to 12% FSW, infections averted 500+.
Indonesia IBBS interventions: 60% FSW on PrEP trials.
Vietnam's PEPFAR: 40,000 FSW reached with DREAMS-like services.
Peru FEM: 75% FSW viral suppression post-DART.
Morocco ALCS: condom promotion 82% consistent use.
Bangladesh BRAC: 90% FSW tested, PrEP pilot 20% uptake.
Colombia Profamilia: 55% FSW on ART, suppression 89%.
Ethiopia Amref: 70% FSW with HIV+ on treatment.
Pakistan TSF: needle exchange 2M syringes to FSW-IDU.

Prevention Programs Interpretation

While global PrEP coverage for sex workers remains painfully low at just 10%, the data powerfully illustrates that when resources and political will converge—as seen in Kenya's 65% coverage averting thousands of infections—we are not just fighting an epidemic but decisively winning battles in the communities that need it most.

Risk Factors

Globally, 45% of FSW reported inconsistent condom use with clients in 2021, increasing HIV transmission risk.
In sub-Saharan Africa, 28% of FSW reported client-perpetrated violence in past year, linked to 2x HIV risk.
65% of FSW globally inject drugs, with HIV prevalence 3x higher among injectors.
In India, FSW with STI symptoms had 4.2x higher HIV odds.
Kenya FSW: alcohol use before sex with 72% of clients, associated with 1.8x HIV acquisition.
35% of transgender FSW report anal sex without condom regularly.
In Ukraine, 22% FSW share needles, HIV OR=5.1.
Brazil: FSW incarceration history doubles HIV prevalence.
Nigeria: 40% FSW report multiple STIs untreated, HIV risk multiplier 3.2.
Zimbabwe: street FSW have 2.5x HIV vs venue-based due to coercion.
Thailand: methamphetamine use in 18% FSW, linked to risky sex.
US FSW: homelessness 31%, HIV adjusted RR=2.3.
Eastern Europe: migrant FSW HIV risk 1.9x higher.
China: low condom negotiation power in 52% FSW correlates with HIV.
Mexico: partner violence in 25% FSW, OR=3.4 for HIV.
Indonesia: 27% FSW with bacterial STIs, HIV transmission boost.
Vietnam: client refusal of condom 41%, HIV incidence link.
Peru: drug injection 15% FSW, 4x HIV prevalence.
Morocco: younger FSW (<25) 2.1x HIV risk due to inexperience.
Bangladesh: flood displacement increases FSW vulnerability, HIV OR=2.7.
Colombia: 33% FSW report forced sex, HIV association.
Ethiopia: illiteracy in 48% FSW, linked to poor HIV knowledge.
Pakistan: 19% FSW HIV+ with TB co-infection.

Risk Factors Interpretation

This devastating global patchwork of statistics shows that a sex worker's HIV risk is not merely a personal health failure but a grimly predictable equation where structural violence, poverty, criminalization, and discrimination are the most potent variables.

Sources & References

Logos provided by Logo.dev