Sex workers find themselves at the center of Congo’s mpox outbreak

KAMITUGA, Congo — It’s been four months since Sifa Kunguja recovered from mpox, but as a sex worker, she said, she’s still struggling to regain clients, with fear and stigma driving away people who’ve heard she had the virus. Share Share Copy Link copied Email Facebook X Reddit LinkedIn Pinterest Flipboard Print Sex workers say the situation threatens their health and livelihoods. Share Share Copy Link copied Email Facebook X Reddit LinkedIn Pinterest Flipboard Print Email Facebook X Reddit LinkedIn Pinterest Flipboard Print The industry is well organized, according to the Kenyan-based African Sex Workers Alliance, composed of sex worker-led groups. Share Share Copy Link copied Email Facebook X Reddit LinkedIn Pinterest Flipboard Print Email Facebook X Reddit LinkedIn Pinterest Flipboard Print Sex workers told AP that they insist on using condoms when they have them, but that they simply don’t have enough. Share Share Copy Link copied Email Facebook X Reddit LinkedIn Pinterest Flipboard Print Some women resort to flimsy plastic bags when they can’t find condoms, sex worker Irene Mabwidi said.