Over 50% of Zimbabwe Sex Workers HIV+

A study has found that at least 50% of sex workers in Zimbabwe are HIV positive, and 90% of sex workers in Zimbabwe are female, although there is a growing market for sex with men and transgender people.

UNAIDS HIV unveiled the shocking 50% statistic this week.

"This is concerning in an environment where condoms are being confiscated and gender inequality makes condom negotiation difficult," the report tilted HIV and Women 2017 reads in part.

"In some cases, sex workers have no access to condoms or are unaware of their importance."

Selling sex is illegal in Zimbabwe and police often carry out raids and arrest workers for ‘loitering for purposes of prostitution.’ The report noted that fear of the police is causing an increase in HIV as workers are too scared to access health care facilities for fear of getting in trouble.

Findings on police harassment and abuse by the Centre for Sexual Health, HIV and AIDS Research in 2016 revealed that 20% of female sex workers in Zimbabwe experienced violence from the police in 2015.

"In addition, the possession of condoms is used as proof of sex work, with many sex workers reportedly being arrested due to their work, or having their condoms confiscated.

"This hampers sex workers' ability to negotiate condom use with clients, heightening their risk of HIV," UNAIDS said.