Vulnerability of male commercial sex workers to HIV/AIDS

Abstract

This paper presents a study of male commercial sex workers (CSWs) and their vulnerability to Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS). There is scanty information related to male CSW in South Africa. This may be attributed to the fact that there are few studies done on male CSW compared to that of female CSW. The study on male CSW was carried out in Arcadia and Sunnyside suburbs of Pretoria. The male CSW may be linked to poor and mobile populations that are normally at risk of becoming infected with HIV. The research indicates that, the male CSW practice is becoming more visible in South African urban areas. Vulnerability to HIV and AIDS is associated with among other things prostitution. It is recommended that the current HIV and AIDS interventions and education should also cover male CSW.