Prostitution

Although the word ‘prostitution’ can be used to describe the act of selling sex, it can also mean ‘using a skill or ability in a way that is considered shameful’. It seems to include a moral judgement, by implying that individuals who sell sex are involved in a practice that is corrupt and so are themselves unworthy. A far more neutral and respectful alternative is the term ‘sex work’.

This issue may not matter so much in the context of everyday conversations or casual debates, but in serious discussions on the topic it is important that words are chosen carefully. Since this article seeks to discuss the issue of HIV and sex work in an open and non-judgemental way, we refer to sex workers rather than prostitutes.

The term 'sex worker' refers to a wide array of people who sell sex, and who work in a variety of environments. They include women, men and trans-gender people and people who may work either full time or part time, in brothels, or bars, on the street or from home for example. 

The clients of sex workers are often referred to as a 'bridge' population for the transmission of HIV, meaning that they act as a link between high risk groups and the general population. Many women do not report using condoms with their husbands and may therefore be at risk of HIV infection if their partners frequent sex workers. This is particularly true for wives of migrant workers who travel long distances and spend an extended period of time away from home.