Les migrants face au sida : entre gestion des risques et contrôle social. L'exemple de la vallée du fleuve Sénégal

Even though numerous studies have already exposed a relationship between mobility and AIDS, the complex mechanisms sub-jacent to this relationship still remain relatively unknown. The research presented here is based on a survey carried out in 2000 in the Senegal River Valley ; it examines the link between migration and risky sexual behaviour in the return zone (risk of spread) by using a conceptual framework which takes into consideration (1) various types of mobility, (2) different social contexts, and (3) non-migrants. The macro social level is represented here by the choice of two significantly contrasting zones in the Senegal River Valley from the point of view of mobility and socio-economic context. Generally, the analyses show that the net effect of the migratory experience is significant in some social contexts and according to the social position of migrants in the return zone. International migrants avoid the social risk of stigmatisation by remaining faithful to their partners, while internal migrants reduce the risk of infection through frequent use of the condom. The inhibitory influence of migration on risky sexual practices in the return zone could explain the favourable situation of Senegal where the AIDS epidemic is moderate and relatively stable compared to the majority of other countries in the region. Information and education programmes should take the social context into account in order to promote responsible behaviour at an individual level as well as a community level response aimed at protection based on solidarity.