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Sex Workers and the Mpox Response in Africa
Yusuff Adebayo Adebisi1, Somtochukwu Marycynthia Ezema2, Obasanjo Bolarinwa3,4
1College of Social Sciences, University of Glasgow, United Kingdom.
Abstract:
The ongoing mpox outbreak in Africa, now classified as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern by the World Health Organization, presents a severe challenge, particularly for vulnerable populations like sex workers. Despite the endemic presence of mpox in Africa since the 1970s, recent developments, including the emergence of a new clade Ib strain with increased transmissibility, have exacerbated the situation. Sex workers are at heightened risk due to their occupational exposure, compounded by stigma, criminalization, and limited access to healthcare. These factors significantly impede efforts to control the spread of the virus, leading to underreporting and inadequate intervention. This article highlights the urgent need for an inclusive public health response that prioritizes the health and safety of sex workers. Such a response should involve tailored health services, legal protections, and community engagement to ensure that this marginalized group is not overlooked. The decriminalization of sex work is also proposed as a critical public health measure to improve access to care and reduce stigma, ultimately curbing the spread of mpox in Africa.
Insights
The mpox outbreak in Africa disproportionately affects sex workers due to occupational risks and stigma. Public health strategies must include tailored services and decriminalization to control mpox spread.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Mpox (formerly monkeypox) is endemic in Africa and poses a significant public health challenge.
- The current mpox outbreak is a Public Health Emergency of International Concern, with a new, more transmissible clade Ib strain emerging.
- Sex workers are a vulnerable population at increased risk due to occupational exposure, stigma, and limited healthcare access.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the urgent need for an inclusive public health response to the mpox outbreak in Africa.
- To emphasize the specific risks faced by sex workers and advocate for their inclusion in control strategies.
- To propose policy changes, including decriminalization, to improve healthcare access and reduce stigma.
Main Methods:
- This article is a review and analysis of the current mpox outbreak situation in Africa.
- It synthesizes information on the epidemiology of mpox, focusing on vulnerable populations.
- It discusses public health interventions and policy recommendations.
Main Results:
- Sex workers face heightened risks of mpox infection and transmission.
- Stigma, criminalization, and lack of healthcare access create significant barriers to effective mpox control among sex workers.
- Current interventions are inadequate to address the specific needs of this population.
Conclusions:
- An inclusive and tailored public health response is crucial for managing the mpox outbreak in Africa.
- Prioritizing the health and safety of sex workers through dedicated services, legal protections, and community engagement is essential.
- Decriminalizing sex work is proposed as a vital public health measure to reduce stigma, improve healthcare access, and curb mpox transmission.
