Due to the rise in violence from the disputed elections in Kenya, teenage girls are working as prostitutes for $3 an hour to survive the collapsed economy.

From the AP (via Yahoo News):

Prostitution and sexual exploitation are on the rise in the wake of the violence, which killed more than 1,000 people, eviscerated the economy and forced tens of thousands of children to leave school, doctors and human rights groups say.

Although no firm figures are available, medical experts say they fear the increase in young prostitutes — known here as “twilight girls” — will undermine gains in the fight against AIDS.

As girls flood the streets, many are participating in sex without condoms are a competitive advantage, creating a high risk of spreading sexual transmitted diseases.

Several young prostitutes interviewed by the AP said they were having sex without condoms to attract customers now that so many more girls are on the streets.

“We use condoms most of the time,” said Milka Muthoni, 17, who dropped out of school this year. “I know it’s a risky business. At times I have gone to the hospital with injuries and venereal diseases. But I have no other options.”