In a systematic review of the literature, the report examines the evidence for sexual transmission of HIV among persons from countries with generalised HIV epidemics after they have arrived in Europe. Additionally, a survey of EU/EEA Member States on the subject of sexual transmission of HIV in populations of migrants was conducted.
Given the evidence for ongoing HIV transmission among at-risk migrant groups in some countries of the EU/EEA, the report considers the following actions to address current limitations in HIV surveillance and prevention interventions:
- Policy makers and programme implementers in those countries that identify migrants as important to their HIV epidemic need to:
- be aware that transmission among migrants may be taking place in their countries;
- consider which surveillance variables to collect and analyse in order to better understand and monitor the degree to which sexual transmission of HIV occurs among migrant populations;
- consider developing an evidence-based, long-term strategic policy to reduce post-migration HIV-acquisition and transmission;
- direct additional attention and resources to improve primary prevention programmes targeted to the specific needs of migrants, and
- involve affected migrant communities in developing and delivering migrant-sensitive HIV prevention services.
