Odunsi, Babafemi2012-02-132012-02-132010Odunsi, B 2010, 'Romancing the foe : the HIV epidemic and the case for a pragmatic stance on prostitution and illicit drug use in Nigeria', Malawi Law Journal, vol. 4, no. 2, pp. 215-232.1996-7675http://hdl.handle.net/2263/18109This article examines the interplay between prostitution, injection drug use and the spread of HIV/Aids in Nigeria. It also considers how Nigerian criminal law and the unfriendly social attitude to prostitution and illicit drug use vitiate the control of HIV/Aids. The article stresses the need for Nigerian criminal law to maintain a ‘soft stance’ on sex workers and drug users in order to accommodate their needs and vulnerabilities relating to HIV/Aids. It underscores the need to put the overall public health interest in effectively controlling the spread ofHIV over and above the social aversion to prostitution and illicit drug use – an aversion which Nigerian criminal law reflects and reinforces.enMalawi Law SocietyInjection drug useProstitution -- NigeriaIntravenous drug abusers -- NigeriaHIV infections -- NigeriaAIDS (Disease) -- Transmission -- NigeriaCriminal law -- Nigeria -- Interpretation and constructionArticle