Starting Saturday, 6 September, seven sexually transmitted infections (STIs) will be officially recognised as occupational diseases for sex workers, according to an announcement on Tuesday by the Federal Agency for Occupational Risks (Fedris).
This provision will apply only to sex workers who are employed under a formal work contract and whose employers are legally accredited.
The recognised STIs include HIV, hepatitis B, syphilis, human papillomavirus (HPV), chlamydia, gonorrhoea and trichomoniasis. Workers diagnosed with any of these infections must undergo specific medical tests for the illness to be acknowledged as an occupational disease.
Additionally, a minimum period of employment under the contract will be required before undergoing the medical evaluation. The required duration will vary depending on the specific STI.
Independent workers or those who fail to meet the legal criteria will not be eligible for this recognition. Legislation allowing sex workers to be employed under formal work contracts has been in effect since 1 December 2024.
