Abstract

Commercial sex work, while providing a source of livelihood and sexual gratification for those who engage in it, has significant negative impacts on public health. These impacts include increased vulnerability to sexually transmitted infections (STIs), unintended pregnancies, and broader health risks. Although factors such as poverty, peer pressure, and unemployment drive individuals into sex work in most parts of the world, including Nigeria, this practice remains illegal in Nigeria and many other countries globally. Therefore, understanding and designing appropriate interventional strategies, including job creation, skill acquisition programs, and widespread health education and awareness campaigns, will be useful in addressing this public health issue. These measures can contribute significantly to improving a country’s health indices and reducing the negative impact of commercial sex work on public health.

Keywords

commercial sex work, public health, harm reduction, stigma reduction