In an African country where poverty and unemployment are high, a new push to ensure sex workers are choosing to protect their lives is under way, according to the Guardian.

In Maputo, the capital of Mozambique, a nonprofit is promoting the message: "First life, then money."

Mozambique has the fifth highest population with HIV in the world, according to a UNAids report, The Guardian reported.

About 4 percent of the population is affected, and about 15 percent of women aged 25 and up are affected. As a result, there have been efforts to try and push the use of condoms and other safe sex practices.

Esperanza Malumbe, the founder of the local organization, Abavamo, which aims to educate and empower sex workers, said that despite their efforts, some workers will still choose money if their client is willing to pay double.

"They tell me, 'Tomatoes on the stall can't choose the buyer," Malumbe said.

There are, however, some who are willing to pay attention to the message–despite the need for money.

One young worker said despite being a single mother, she will give up the about $9 for a quickie if they refuse to wear a condom.

The economy remains in trouble after a civil war, and half the population lives under the poverty line. Even those who go to school are unable to find work, as urban unemployment is high in the country.

The U.N. report also highlights the areas with the highest density of people living with HIV, which includes Maputo. All the districts that fall into that category are located in areas associated with rapid economic growth and high levels of migration and mobility.

They are found mainly along the transportation corridors, which lead to South Africa, Swaziland and Malawi.

Malumbe's organization helps the women by passing out condoms and femidoms and also educates them on strategies to negotiate safe sex, or working around a stubborn client.