Trafficking of women and girls is becoming an increasingly lucrative business, particularly in countries of south-eastern Europe, and war torn zones of the Region. Girls and women from the poorest countries are at particular risk of being abused. Apart from the psychological effects and humiliation most of the women are at high risk of sexually transmitted infections, HIV, and unwanted pregnancies.

The reproductive health and research programme is working closely with the regional and global women's health programmes to develop strategies to prevent trafficking and to protect the victims in particular through working with health service providers in high risk areas such as Kosovo, to recognize the signs of trafficking and to provide help as needed.