Commercial sexual exploitation is a growing, underestimated, and under-represented issue of grave social, health, economic, and policy concern in Uganda. The immediate and long-term public health
consequences of commercial sex exploitation undermine investments in education, health, and child well-being, and erode the productive capacity of future generations.

Adolescent girls who are victims of CSEC often experience life-long emotional distress and mental health problems. They suffer severe physical and psychological harm and adverse SRH outcomes such as unwanted pregnancies, unsafe abortions and STIs including HIV/AIDS. Since commercial sexual exploitation is a cause and consequence of multiple vulnerabilities, it must be simultaneously confronted at several different levels. In this regard, this Issue Brief recommends,  multisectoral approach serves better as it represents opportunity for addressing multiple risks and vulnerabilities by key sectors of health, education, justice, finance, and gender labor and social development with support from parents and community leaders and other key stakeholders.