Main problems and aspects of HIV prevention

Abstract

Migration processes affect not only public health issues, but also public health ethics. The migration policy of the host country should take into account ethical issues at all stages of migration and be based on the principles of humanity, respect for human rights and that adequate public health should not be limited to the borders and citizens of the host country. The UNAIDS Report "On the Global AIDS Epidemic, 2022" reports on the growth of the HIV epidemic in Eastern Europe and Central Asia. And at the same time, regional coverage of HIV prevention and treatment services is assessed as insufficient. The adherence of HIV-infected persons to taking antiretroviral drugs determines the effective suppression of the human immunodeficiency virus and, thereby, reduces the risk of progression of the clinical picture and the risk of HIV transmission. The problems faced by migrants are untimely provision or inability to obtain drugs, low medical and legal literacy, the presence of elements of discrimination and lack of social support in the country of arrival, which become much more acute for migrants with HIV. The presence of a symbiosis of an epidemic of infectious and non-communicable diseases among migrants increases the negative consequences for health, which causes an increase in the number of new cases among migrants. The lack of health insurance is an additional source of difficulties in obtaining medical care for uninsured migrants and has a huge impact on sick patients with chronic diseases. Creating access for migrants to HIV prevention and treatment services in the destination country will not only improve the quality of life of migrants, but also improve public health in general. Currently, issues related to the COVID-19 pandemic are likely to remain a priority, and therefore it is necessary that responses to other infectious diseases, in particular HIV, are not jeopardized. One of the ways to solve this issue is the need to take a step towards the harmonization of legislation between neighboring countries in relation to HIV-positive migrants.