Prostitution

Sex work and prostitution touch public health, law and human rights. Laws and attitudes differ across Africa, and those differences shape real lives. This tag collects news about legal changes, safety concerns, trafficking cases, and public health developments so you can follow how the issue is evolving in different places.

Where prostitution stands across Africa

There’s no single rule across the continent. Some countries treat prostitution as a crime, others tolerate or regulate parts of it, and debates about decriminalisation are growing. That legal mix affects access to health services, police protection, and the ability of workers to report violence. When a country changes its laws, you’ll often see fast shifts in policing and community services — and sometimes unintended harm to those the law aimed to protect.

Why does this matter for readers? Because law and policy shape the news you read: arrests, court cases, policy debates, and local rescue or support initiatives all come from how governments choose to act. We follow those changes and report how they affect people on the ground.

Health, safety and trafficking

Health and safety are central. Sex workers face higher risks of violence, sexually transmitted infections, and economic instability when services are restricted. Public-health responses that focus on harm reduction — free testing, condoms, and friendly clinics — lower risks and improve outcomes. NGOs and community groups often lead these programs where government support is limited.

Human trafficking is a separate but related issue. Trafficking involves force, fraud or coercion; prostitution does not always equal trafficking. Still, trafficking cases appear in our coverage because they are criminal and humanitarian stories that demand attention. If you suspect trafficking, contact local law enforcement or international bodies like the International Organization for Migration (IOM) or the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) for guidance.

Looking for help? Reach out to local health clinics, sexual health services, or community NGOs. If you need immediate rescue from violence or coercion, call your local emergency number. For policy or advocacy support, groups such as UNAIDS and regional health networks publish practical guides and contacts.

On this tag page you’ll find news updates, analysis, and reporting that focus on real-world effects: court rulings, policy shifts, public health campaigns, and community responses. We aim to be clear and practical — telling you what changed, who’s affected, and where to find help or more information.

Want updates? Use the tag to follow new stories, sign up for our newsletter, or contact our newsroom with tips. If you’re working on the ground and want your programme highlighted, send a brief note — we sometimes feature grassroots efforts that improve safety and health for sex workers.