Four months after recovering from Mpox, Sifa Kunguja, a 40-year-old sex worker in eastern Congo, continues to face challenges in regaining her client base.
Stigma and fear surrounding the virus have driven away potential customers.
“It’s risky work,” Kunguja said from her modest home, emphasizing the need to support her children.
In Kamituga, an estimated 40,000 sex workers, many of whom are single mothers, are heavily impacted by the Mpox outbreak.
The town, rich in mineral resources, draws large numbers of gold miners, who make up a significant portion of their clientele.
Doctors report that around 80% of cases are sexually transmitted, though the virus can also spread through skin-to-skin contact.
The ongoing health crisis threatens the livelihoods and safety of these workers.
Health officials warn that targeted measures are necessary to prevent Mpox from spreading further in eastern Congo.
While Mpox typically causes mild symptoms like fever and body aches, severe cases can result in painful blisters on various body parts.
Kunguja and her peers feel they have no choice but to continue working despite the risks of reinfection and transmission.
While sex work is not illegal in Congo, related activities such as solicitation face legal scrutiny.
Rights groups highlight the fear of violence and retribution, including sexual abuse, as barriers preventing sex workers from seeking medical care during public health emergencies.
Local health officials are advocating for the government to close nightclubs and mines temporarily while compensating sex workers for lost income.
However, local authorities argue they lack the resources to implement such measures and suggest that sex workers should find alternative employment, without offering specific options.
The economy of Kamituga is heavily reliant on the mining industry, drawing in tens of thousands of miners.
The sex industry is also significant, with many sex workers reporting that a majority of their clients are miners.
According to the African Sex Workers Alliance, approximately 13% of Kamituga’s 300,000 residents are involved in sex work.
While community leaders and aid groups strive to educate sex workers about self-protection and promote condom use, many report a shortage of resources.
The local hospital provides only limited supplies of condoms, which are insufficient given the number of clients they serve.
With around 250,000 vaccines recently delivered to Congo, it remains uncertain when they will reach Kamituga.
As efforts continue to address the spread of Mpox, the stigma and economic challenges faced by sex workers highlight the need for comprehensive support and resources in the community.
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