Description

A number of issues have arisen for discussion on
the subject of the health needs of female sex workers.
Violence, substance misuse, sexual health, mental
illness and negative attitudes as well as a prejudice are
some of the obstacles sex workers regularly face. This
paper provides some suggestions for improving access
to health care for the female sex worker. There is an
urgent requirement to carry out an assessment of the
health needs of this client group. Sex workers require
user-friendly services, which are appropriate and
relevant to their needs. Their peripatetic lifestyle
requires services to be flexible and available at the
times when they are likely to use them. The paper
concludes by emphasising that targeted outreach by
non-governmental organisations plays an important
role in supporting this client group with regards to
practical support and health care.