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The first evidence of HIV infection in Djibouti, East Africa, was found in the spring of 1986; the first case of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) was diagnosed in March 1988; and, as of the end of 1991, 104 cases of AIDS had been reported. HIV-1 infection was predominant. Previously published results of four serosurveys carried out in October 87, June 1998, February 1990, and from January 1991 to April 1991 among high risk groups are presented and compared. The subjects included street girls, bar hostesses, and male STD patients. HIV-1 infection was demonstrated in 1991 among 36.0% of street girls, 15.3% of bar hostesses and 10.4% of male STD patients. Three sera were positive for both HIV-1 and HIV-2 antibodies. The prevalence of HIV-1 infection among street girls in Djibouti did not increase between February 1990 and January 1991 while the prevalence of HIV infection among male STD patients rose almost five-fold during the same period. HIV prevalence in bar hostesses showed a steady growth. Epidemiology of HIV infection among prostitutes is complex as theses populations have a rapid turn-over. HIV prevalence data and predominance of Ethiopian nationality among prostitutes suggest importation of HIV from Ethiopia via the prostitutes and their clients. These results are reviewed and compared with data from Ethiopia and Somalia.