International research shows that sex-workers and women and adolescents trafficked for sex are exposed to a wide range of physical and mental health problems in addition to HIV/AIDS and sexually transmitted disease. Mortality rates are higher among females in prostitution than the general population. Most women do not choose prostitution; but are forced into prostitution because of poverty, homelessness or drug addiction. Purchasers of sex exploit their desperation. A wide range of measures are necessary to combat prostitution and sex trafficking and experience from Sweden shows that criminalising the purchase of sex and not the sale of sex has reduced demand and contained the extent of prostitution. The IMO supports the Turn Off The Red Light Campaign and calls on the Government to introduce legislation which makes it illegal to purchase sex.