Claim: In a news article published by the Nation Newspaper online daily on January 9, 2025, it was claimed that sex workers in Malawi frequently endure degrading treatment at public health institutions (archived here). According to Thandiwe Kaunda, healthcare professionals frequently reprimand sex workers.
Verdict: TRUE
Methodology: A review of papers, studies, and news articles from academic institutions, international non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and human rights organisations that describe the experiences of sex workers obtaining public healthcare in Malawi served as the foundation for this fact-check. The inquiry concentrated on documented instances of stigma, prejudice, and degrading treatment by medical professionals.
Evidence and Analysis: Numerous sources support the claim that sex workers in Malawi encounter degrading treatment and major obstacles when trying to obtain public health services.
A phenomenological study on female sex workers’ experiences in Central Malawi found that, generally, female sex workers (FSWs) face “hostility, stigmatisation, and discrimination from health care providers when accessing public health care in Malawi.”
A study published in PMC NCBI in 2021, focusing on stigma and social support among female sex workers in Malawi, found that while internalised stigma was high, a notable percentage of participants also reported negative experiences with the healthcare system.
Specifically, 7% reported avoiding doctors due to fears of mistreatment, over 10% delayed seeking treatment due to past discrimination, and 9% had been refused treatment by a healthcare provider.
Organisations working directly with sex workers in Malawi also attest to these challenges. Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) has reported that sex workers often avoid health centres due to “fear of discrimination and stigma.” MSF has implemented sensitivity training for its medical staff to counter this prejudice and provide more welcoming services.
Similarly, a project by the Commonwealth Foundation aims to increase sex workers’ access to “non-judgemental comprehensive sexual and reproductive healthcare” in Lilongwe, acknowledging the existing stigma and discrimination they face.
Another report by Doctors Without Borders (MSF) from July 2024 reiterated that most sex workers they support have difficulty accessing care due to stigma.
Conclusion: True—The claim that sex workers in Malawi frequently endure degrading treatment at public health institutions is strongly supported by the facts.
References:
- https://lup.lub.lu.se/student-papers/search/publication/8939561
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8408828/
- https://commonwealthfoundation.com/project/nzotheka-inclusive-access-to-non-judgmental-comprehensive-healthcare-for-women-in-sex-work
- https://msf.org.uk/article/malawi-sex-workers-helping-others-fight-hiv
- https://www.msf.org.za/news-and-resources/patient-and-staff-stories/sex-workers-take-charge-their-health-malawi
This fact-check was produced by Collins Mtika of the Centre for Investigative Journalism Malawi (CIJM) as part of the African Fact-Checking Alliance’s (AFCA) incubation programme. It was produced with peer-mentorship from Code for Africa’s fact-checking initiative, PesaCheck, with financial support from Norway.
AFCA mentorship respects the journalistic independence of the researchers, offering access to advanced techniques and tools. Editorial decision-making remains with the Centre for Investigative Journalism Malawi. Want to learn more? Visit: https://factcheck.africa/
