Estimating the number of key populations at risk of HIV is essential for planning, monitoring, and evaluating prevention, care, and treatment programmes.
We conducted this study to estimate the number of female sex workers FSW in major cities of Iran. We used three population size estimation methods i. The wisdom of the crowds and multiplier methods were integrated into a nationwide bio-behavioural surveillance survey in , and the network scale-up method was included in a national survey of the general population in The median of the three methods was used to calculate the proportion of the adult female population who practice sex work in the 13 cities.
These figures were then extrapolated to provide a national population size estimation of FSW across urban areas. Using methods of comparable rigor, our study provided a data-driven national estimate of the population size of FSW in urban areas of Iran.
Our findings provide vital information for enhancing HIV programme planning and lay a foundation for assessing the impact of harm reduction efforts within this marginalized population.
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