Advancing the Sexual and Reproductive Health and Human Rights of Sex Workers Living With HIV

Marias Story
Maria (not real name) is a female sex worker. She shares a room with another sex worker in a compound with about 10 rooms. She frequents Club G in Zomba. Recently, she got pregnant. When a friend told me about her, some questions/statements that were raised were: who is the father ? I bet she doesnt know him. Koma anthu ndi olimba mtima bwanji! What was she thinking (getting pregnant)? Why didnt she use a condom?

Sexual and Reproductive Health

A state of Complete physical, mental and social wellbeing and not merely absence of diseases or infirmity in all matters relating to sexuality, reproductive system and its functions and processes. Implies
A satisfying and safe sex life Have capability to reproduce Freedom to decide if, when and how often to reproduce
Adapted ICPD 1994

Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights

Encompassed in human rights enshrined in our constitution Includes:
Rights to decision concerning reproduction free of discrimination, coercion and violence. Right to decide freely and responsibly number, spacing & timing children Right to information and means to make decision above Right to access highest standard of sexual and reproductive health services

Responsibility to (future)children & society

Adapted ICPD 1994

Some Components of Sexual and Reproductive health

Diagnosis and treatment of Sexually Transmitted Infections and Reproductive Tract Infections. Prevention and treatment of cancer e.g. cervical cancer Information and education on sexuality and reproduction. Medical and psychosocial support following sexual violence Counseling and support for safe ways to become pregnant Access to condoms and other contraceptives Where legal, access to safe abortion and post-abortion services

Why sex workers living with HIV

Selling and buying sex key to HIV pandemic Migration of sex workers Potential for sex work to account for more new infections Sex workers access to sexual and rep health essential for personal and overall HIV prevention Discrimination against sex workers even in health facilities (whore stigma Assuming they are HIV+) rights violations

Sex workers LWH needs

Gender related
Access to non discriminatory services (Contraception, maternal health services) Access to PMTCT Accurate information pertaining to breast feeding and other infant feeding options

Age specific
Needs of those that are ageing and earning potential diminishing Needs of under age sex workers (services that dont discriminate them) Children of sex workers

ensure that the human rights of people living with HIV, irrespective of their lifestyle, are respected and that they obtain access to the services and information they need to protect themselves and their loved ones
Michel Sibid, Executive Director, UNAIDS

Thank you