The profile of HIV infection in West Africa is linked to the regional pattern of labor migration. Areas of high HIV prevalence correspond closely to the destination and recruitment points of migrant workers. This correlation suggests that mobile populations have characteristics that make them more susceptible to HIV epidemics. The most plausible explanatory variables for the association of migration and epidemic HIV are deprived living conditions, disruption of social support, and dysfunctional social organization. Migration creates chronic gender imbalances in the reproductive age group. The general excess of females in the recruitment areas and excess of males at the destination erodes traditional community norms of behavior. Health service provision, including health education and condom marketing, does not address these key social factors. Small improvements in the physical and social environment of migrants and their communities of origin may result in greater benefits than any targeted service provision.

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Migrant Workers virus infection HIV Infections Human immunodeficiency virus infection economics population demography social change developing country Population Dynamics Developing Countries Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome social development Disease Epidemics health care manpower labor migration Viral Diseases Health Manpower Diseases Virus Diseases Behavior social evolution Africa Disease Outbreaks Article epidemic social adaptation migration Demographic Factors Emigration and Immigration Economic Factors Transients and Migrants Human Resources employment acquired immune deficiency syndrome Social Adjustment Labor Force general aspects of disease social behavior