Alarming Drug use creates urgency for harm reduction among Sex Workers in Kampala Slums.

Decades of efforts to improve the wellbeing and health conditions of Female Sex Workers in Uganda are at high risk of failing if rapid stigma free harm reduction interventions are not urgently put in place.

“There is a need to urgently respond with friendly interventions aimed at minimizing the negative health, social and economic impacts associated with drug use among sex workers in Kampala Slums.” Says Ms. Dorothy, Lady Mermaid Program Manager.

Majority of Sex Workers getting addicted to the drugs are young women between 17 and 26 years

In an interview conducted by the Lady Mermaid among Sex Workers who use drugs in Kamwokya slums, it was revealed that majority are commonly using marijuana, alcohol, cubba and “mairungi” on a daily basis.

Many people don’t understand why or how other people become addicted to drugs. They may mistakenly think that those who use drugs lack ethics and that they would stop their drugs simply by choosing to. In reality drug addiction is a complex issue and quitting usually takes more than good intentions or strong will.