Congo's Mpox Outbreak Devastates Sex Workers' Livelihoods Amid Rising Stigma

Sex workers in Kamituga, struggling with health risks and economic hardship, face limited support and resources during the mpox epidemic.

Sex workers in Kamituga, eastern Congo, are among the hardest-hit by the mpox outbreak, with many unable to find alternative employment.
The virus, primarily spread through sexual contact, has led to significant stigma and loss of clients for sex workers who have recovered from mpox.
Health officials warn that more efforts are needed to curb the spread of mpox, emphasizing the importance of targeting sex workers and miners in awareness campaigns.
A lack of vaccines and insufficient access to condoms exacerbates the situation, with sex workers often resorting to unsafe practices due to scarcity of protective measures.
Local authorities and rights groups call for better support and inclusion of sex worker organizations in public health strategies to effectively address the outbreak.