ORGANIZATION

• LAGOS
• COTONOU
• LOMÉ
• ACCRA
• ABIDJAN

In West Africa, the main migratory axes extend from north to south between landlocked and coastal countries. From East to West is the Abidjan-Lagos Corridor which links 5 coastal countries. The policy of the Community of West African States (ECOWAS) on the free movement of nationals of its member countries has greatly contributed to the increase in migration on the main routes. Although recognized as necessary for the economic development of the region, these movements of people in the Migration Corridor can also accelerate the transmission of STIs and HIV infection. This corridor faces several physical and non-tariff barriers making it uncompetitive compared to the other corridors.

International research findings have identified a clear correlation between migratory movements and diseases, particularly Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs), including HIV. West African displacement analyzes have identified sex trade activities along the region's main migration routes.

In response to these obstacles, the Abidjan-Lagos Corridor Organization (ALCO), was created in 2002 by a joint declaration by the Heads of State of the five (5) members with the support of the World Bank and UNAIDS.