A recent health study has raised fresh concerns over the spread of sexually transmitted infections in Nairobi, after finding that a significant proportion of sex workers tested positive for syphilis.
According to a March 2026 preprint study published on medRxiv, approximately one in every ten sex workers screened in the study was found to have the infection.
The findings are based on laboratory analysis of blood samples collected from individuals within the group.
The retrospective study examined syphilis prevalence among sex workers in Nairobi and identified a notable burden of infection within the population, which is considered at higher risk of sexually transmitted diseases.
Researchers also observed a correlation between syphilis infections and HIV status among those tested, pointing to overlapping vulnerabilities that could complicate public health interventions.
While the findings offer insight into infection trends, the authors note that the study is yet to undergo peer review and may not fully represent the wider population of sex workers in the city.
Public health experts have consistently identified sex workers as a key population in the fight against sexually transmitted infections, often citing barriers such as stigma, limited access to healthcare services, and inconsistent use of protection as contributing factors.
The report adds to existing data pointing to the persistence of syphilis as a public health concern, despite ongoing awareness campaigns and intervention programmes aimed at reducing transmission.
Health authorities have not yet issued an official response to the latest findings.