This document discusses the link between HIV and sex work. It provides statistics on HIV prevalence among sex workers in different countries, ranging from 0% in the UK and Japan to 50.1% in South Africa. Globally, sex workers number around 10 million in Asia, where unsafe paid sex and drug use have contributed to the spread of HIV infection. Key issues for sex workers include operating in criminalized and stigmatizing environments, a transient workforce, and reinforcing safe sex practices in light of changing epidemics and industries. Moving forward, ongoing support services and advocacy are needed to support sex worker health and rights.

1. HIV & SEX WORK What’s the link Ari Reid , Scarlet Alliance

2. SEX Lots of it Lots of different people

3. HISTORY Low rates of condom use High rates of STI’s ‘Vectors of Disease’ Sex Worker organisations

4. The Prevalence of HIV amongst Sex Workers by country Russian Federation:4% UK: 0% Japan: 0% China: 10.3% Bahamas: 44% India: 3.8% Mexico:0.3% Sudan: 4.4% Thailand:4.3% Brazil: 3.7% Australia: 0% South Africa: 50.1% Source: UNAIDS Interactive Map, 2010 GLOBAL CONTEXT

5. GLOBAL CONTEXT In Asia: IDU + MSM= 20 million people Sex workers = 10 million Men who see sex workers= 75 million Women living with HIV in Asia increased from 19% in 2000 to 24% in 2007, with most of these women infected through sex with husbands or boyfriends who were themselves infected during paid sex or through injecting drugs. Commission on AIDS in Asia (2008) Redefining AIDS in Asia. Crafting an Effective Response, Oxford UniversityPress, New Delhi 2008

6. CONTEXT Criminalised settings Stigma and discrimination Underground industry Transient workforce

7. VECTORS OF INFORMATION Peer Education Heterosexual Community Clients of male and trans workers International networks

8. CURRENT ISSUES Legal status Condoms as evidence Mandatory testing Criminalisation of HIV Stigma and discrimination Reinforcing safe sex messages in 2010 Changing Industry/Community Changing technology Changing epidemic

9. FUTURE Ongoing peer led services for sex workers Ongoing recognition as priority populations Continued advocacy Partnerships Long term stable core funding for state based sex worker organisations and their peak body, Scarlet Alliance.