Seven infectious diseases will soon be recognised as occupational illnesses for sex workers, announced Public Health and Social Affairs Minister Frank Vandenbroucke (Vooruit) to the House Committee on Thursday.
The diseases in question are acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), hepatitis B, papillomavirus, syphilis, chlamydia, gonorrhoea and trichomoniasis.
During the last legislature, a legal framework was being established for sex workers. Then, Vandenbroucke asked the federal agency responsible for occupational risks to analyse the infectious diseases to which this category of workers was most exposed. The results were validated in February 2024 and a proposal for recognition was made in September.
However, as there was no new government yet, this meant that a decision could not be taken. "But now that there is a new government, I have given instructions to relaunch this process. Consequently, the draft Royal Decree aimed at achieving this objective will be submitted to the government as soon as possible," Vandenbroucke said.
Recognition and protection
The inclusion of these infections on the list of occupational diseases will make it easier for these workers to have an occupational disease recognised and to access compensation when they are infected.
"Recognising these illnesses as occupational is a question of justice and dignity. These workers cannot be left out in the cold. This new list will provide better protection for sex workers, who are exposed to specific risks, while being among the most precarious and least protected professions," added Federal MP Marie Meunier (PS).
"This will be another important step towards giving sex workers the recognition and protection to which they are entitled," she stressed.
