Migrants Vulnerable to HIV: Adapting to Health Systems and the Response of Receiving Countries

This study investigates the experiences of migrants vulnerable to HIV, focusing on those living with HIV and belonging to key populations (KP)—including people who inject drugs, men who have sex with men, sex workers, and transgender individuals. Conducted through 40 interviews with local experts and recent migrants in seven European and Asian countries and complemented with desk research, the study explores the challenges these migrants face in accessing HIV prevention, care, and treatment, while also assessing the response of host countries to their needs.

The findings highlight significant discrepancies in healthcare provision and data collection, with inconsistent figures due to the movement of migrants and refugees across borders. Although antiretroviral therapy (ART) and other HIV-related services are available, migrants encounter various barriers, such as complex paperwork, difficulties in navigating unfamiliar health systems, and stark differences between the healthcare structures of their home countries and host countries. Language barriers, cultural differences, and self-stigma further complicate their access to care and exacerbate stress, with minimal outreach or testing efforts available for these populations.

To address these issues, the study advocates for targeted prevention activities, including outreach to identify PLHIV and key population migrants, improving access to healthcare in their native languages, and tackling self-stigma and mental health challenges. Special attention is needed for underserved groups like sex workers and transgender individuals, who are often overlooked in current healthcare strategies. The study also stresses the need for systematic data collection and ongoing monitoring to address gaps in service provision and adapt HIV prevention and treatment strategies to the evolving needs of this vulnerable population.