The likelihood of contracting HIV/AIDS, or any other STI (Sexually Transmitted Infection), is positively associated with the number of sexual partners a person has. Commercial sex work , in itself, implies having multiple sexual partners for the prostitute as well as his or her clients. According to UNGASS, commercial sex workers and their clients are therefore both considered high-risk population for HIV/AIDS. A study by the Medical Research Council showed that the prevalence of HIV/AIDS amongst commercial sex workers servicing South African truck drivers ranged between 42% and 74%. The overall HIV prevalence amongst commercial sex workers was found to be 56%, more than twice the rate in the general population.
Sex trade in South Africa is also inherently linked to abuse and violence against women and men involved in commercial sex work . Studies show that people in commercial sex work frequently experience physical threats, threats with weapons, rape, and even have pornography made of them without their consent, during commercial sex work . The cry for help from this heavily abused group of women is echoed in a survey carried out among 475 people in commercial sex work . When asked, “What do you need?” 89% replied, “To leave prostitution” and a further 75% wanted job training (other than commercial sex work ).
