Ousman Badjie, executive director of National Aids Secretariat, has said that the majority of The Gambia’s HIV cases are among female sex workers and members of the LGBT community. 

“We are talking about 28,000 people living with HIV and AIDS in The Gambia. And the most prevalence cases are noticeable among the female sex workers and members of the LGBT,” Mr Badjie said.

He said their last study showed HIV and AIDS prevalence of 11% for female sex workers and 35% among LGBT people.

The HIV epidemic in The Gambia is overall low—less than 2% of the general population — but highly concentrated among key populations. 

According to him, in other countries, the adolescent group are more affected by HIV but “over the years in The Gambia, studies are showing that for us is 34 to 39 age group were you have the highest burden as far as HIV is concern” in The Gambia.

Meanwhile, he urged the population to get tested for the virus to help fight it spread in the country.

“We always say, the virus is not killing the people. It’s the stigma and discrimination. Once you have an effective treatment, you are not supposed to die from HIV and AIDS. 

“But how do you get people come forward for the treatment, remains a big challenge,” he added.

Reporting by Adama Makasuba