The Gambia is facing a shocking surge in HIV cases, with nearly 3,000 people testing positive in 2024, including hundreds of expectant mothers.

Health expert Dr Ismaila Badjie dropped the bombshell figures on his weekly podcast, calling the rise “deeply worrying.”

He revealed that 2,711 people were diagnosed last year, with a staggering 92% infected with HIV-1, the deadlier strain. Another 7% had HIV-2, and 1% carried both.

Among the new cases, 461 pregnant women were diagnosed during routine checks.

“This shows why screening in pregnancy is so vital,” Dr Badjie said, warning of the risks of mother-to-child transmission if urgent action isn’t taken.

The grim new statistics come as The Gambia already struggles with a heavy HIV burden. An estimated 26,500 people are currently living with HIV in the country, about 1.3% of the population.

But the real crisis lies in awareness and treatment. Only 60% of those infected even know they have the virus. Of those who do, just 65% are on treatment, and fewer than two-thirds of them, 61%, have the virus under control.

The rise is hitting some regions harder than others, with Basse showing the highest prevalence at 2.0%. Bansang and Brikama follow at 1.6%.

Campaigners warn that without an urgent push for wider testing, stronger treatment access, and more public education, the country risks losing ground in the fight against HIV.

By Adama Makasuba