La Strada Documentation Center

HIV Infection among Illegal Migrants, Italy, 2004–2007

Document number
2557
Date
2009
Title
HIV Infection among Illegal Migrants, Italy, 2004–2007
Author/publisher
Maria Chiara Pezzoli et al
Availability
LSI library
Document type(s)
Research/Study/Analysis,
Keywords
Irregular Migration, Feminization of migration, Economic migration, Labour migration, Free movement, Undocumented migrants; Undocumented labour; Migrant rights; Migration management; Comprehensive approach to migration; Migration policy; Restrictive migration measures,
Summary
A study by Italian public health researchers into HIV infections among undocumented migrant women has highlighted the prominent role of social determinants of HIV infections, including immigration status, living and working conditions. Preventive educational campaigns rarely reached migrant communities because of logistic, cultural, and language barriers resulting in a poor knowledge among many undocumented migrants regarding HIV transmission. The majority of undocumented migrants with HIV/AIDS were found to have acquired infection after the migration process. The research recommends improved health education and free access to HIV testing and care for undocumented migrants, particularly for persons from sub-Saharan Africa. More information about the study is available here.
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