Decriminalising sex work and the health economics impact on HIV prevalence in Nigeria

Criminalisation of sex work has been a problem in the fight against HIV in Nigeria, as it negatively affects the health and economic performance of the people of the country. This commentary presents the argument that decriminalisation is an important and cost-saving measure in controlling the epidemic of HIV in Nigeria. Using the existing epidemiological evidence, the piece illustrates how criminalisation contributes to stigmatisation and forces sex workers into the dark, as well as posing a major obstacle to HIV prevention and treatment interventions and, as a result, beef up infection rates among this vulnerable and critical population. Regarding the health economic approach, the article argues that the existing system squanders limited resources on a punitive system, whereas decriminalisation would facilitate targeted and efficient interventions, including pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and condom distribution, among others, offering a better return on investment. Ultimately, alternating from criminalisation to a public health-centred approach is not only a social need but also an economic need within the framework of attaining the HIV targets in Nigeria, as well as creating a resilient health system.