PIP: Although only several countries in West Africa have credible estimates of the prevalence of HIV, and no reliable data is available for the large population of Nigeria, HIV is known to be widespread in a few countries and foci in the region. It also seems that HIV infection rates in West Africa are lower than those recorded in southern, eastern, and central Africa, probably because HIV arrived late to the region. There is much international migration in West Africa among fishermen, traders, farmers, other migrant workers, and refugees. An estimated 3% of the region's population therefore lives in camps and temporary accommodations while they are away from their families and communities. These migrants, mainly men, have sex with female prostitutes while traveling and in their temporary places of residence. Those men who contract HIV then transmit the virus to other short- and long-term sex partners at their temporary places of residence and in their places of origin. The profile of the AIDS epidemic in West Africa is therefore shaped by international migration. Cote d'Ivoire, the main country of immigration, has by far the highest HIV prevalence. Infection is widespread throughout the country, with distinct foci at Abidjan and the agro-industrial centers of Daloa and Bouake, the most attractive destinations for migrants. The male:female ratio of reported AIDS cases is 2:1 even though HIV is spread almost exclusively through heterosexual contact. Despite the lack of reliable HIV or AIDS statistics for rural Burkina Faso, AIDS appears to be widespread among the families of seasonal migrants in domestic rural areas. Many village women in Ghana have worked as prostitutes in Cote d'Ivoire, so unusually high levels of HIV and AIDS may also be found in the rural areas of Ghana. The author stresses the need for a regional approach to meet the needs of migrants before, during, and after migration in the interest of curbing the spread of HIV. Politicians must avoid the temptation to close borders and restrict the flow of migrants to control HIV, for that merely increases the levels of economic and social hardship, and would do little to prevent the spread of HIV; clandestine migration would not cease and seasonal population movements will continue to be a part of West African social organization.