Updated
August 23, 2007

It is not the intention of this page to promote the idea that Gambia is a sex holiday venue. However in countries with high unemployment, sex is a commodity for sale to rich visitors - in nearly all circumstances it is exploitation.

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Sex can be found for sale in most countries around the world and Gambia is no exception.

The trade is very profitable for both the young men and women involved. about 50% of the girls are not from Gambia but from other West African states. Most tell their parents they are working in the hotels, few admit they are prostitutes.

For the young men, most but not all are Gambian, they do not view this activity as prostitution - they maintain that they do not specifically charge for the act of sex. They regard these as relationships which last for just a few days. Most of their clients believe that there is true affection and romance, but in reality their trade follows the same formula with each new group of tourists who arrive. (See Shirley Valentine, the film)

Some tourists find the devoted attention very flattering and shower them with gifts and money believing that this is the real thing, in a few cases it is, in the majority it is the lucrative sale of sex dressed up in another way.

If you make gifts to these young people, do so freely with no strings attached and expect nothing in return, even if it is promised - That way you will not stand the risk of feeling ripped off.

The very nature of these casual relationships is a breeding ground for HIV & AIDS.

• Through unprotected sex with an infected person
• By sharing needles and other equipment with an infected person
• Through infected medical and dental instruments
• By blood transfusion with HIV infected blood
• From an infected mother to her baby during pregnancy or feeding

Worldwide, HIV is most commonly transmitted through sex between men and women.

If you put yourself at risk with someone other than your usual partner ALWAYS use a condom. Condoms are the most effective protection against HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases.
In some parts of the world many prostitutes are infected, so having sex with anyone who has many sexual partners, is particularly risky.

When you take condoms on holiday with you make sure they carry the British Standard Kitemark or similar quality control markings.
If you have to buy condoms abroad ONLY buy good quality ones and know how to use them properly
Always use a condom with a new partner every time you have sex with them

What doesn't give you HIV

• Kissing
• Dirty crockery or food
• Swimming pools
• Insect bites
• Toilet seats
• Coughing or sneezing

Medical care abroad

Any procedure that allows access to your blood is risky, make sure equipment is freshly sterilised or from a sealed pack. Only have essential medical treatment. If you need a blood transfusion ask for screened blood. Make sure your travel companions know the risks and the sensible courses of action.

Aids and HIV advice centres in the UK

Terrence Higgins Trust (phone line 12 noon to 10pm) 0207 2421010
National Aids Helpline FREEPHONE 0800 567 123
National Drugs Helpline FREE 0800 77 66 00

The content is taken from the UK Department of Health leaflet 'Travel Safe' 1997.

Many of the Gambians you meet, especially the men are already married or bethrothed to local girls, many of the girls are promised by their families to young men. HOWEVER the lure of money will induce them to seek relationships with foreigners ofter with their partners knowledge - the money they receive is sent to their family.

Where the mixed race couple live in The Gambia, it is not unusual for the local husband or wife to join the household masquerading as the maid or gardener, the only way to avoid this is to keep your eyes wide open to what is going on around you.

There is an prevalent (but well hidden) attitude, that slavery and exploitation is being repaid when a European is exploited and that because of history there is nothing morally wrong in taking any opportunity to even the score.

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