A new study presented at the 2025 European AIDS Clinical Society (EACS) Congress has uncovered a startling trend: more than half of HIV cases among migrants in Switzerland are diagnosed years after they move to the country.
The research, which analyzed data from the Swiss HIV Cohort Study (SHCS) over a 15-year period, shows how infection patterns are changing — and why urgent attention is needed for migrant-focused HIV prevention and testing.
Shifting Infection Trends Among Migrants
The SHCS tracked 3,490 participants between 2010 and 2024, including both Swiss nationals and migrants. Out of these, 1,713 were migrants, representing almost half of the study group. Over time, the share of migrants in the study steadily grew, reflecting Switzerland’s diverse and evolving population.
According to the findings, 62.1% of migrants were diagnosed with HIV after arriving in Switzerland, while 37.9% were diagnosed before migration.
The most common transmission routes were:
- Men who have sex with men (MSM) – 43.1%
- Female heterosexuals – 27.2%
- Male heterosexuals – 18.9%
Researchers also found that migrants diagnosed post-migration had lower CD4 counts, a sign of late detection. The time between arrival and diagnosis varied by group: six years for male heterosexuals, five years for MSM, and two years for female heterosexuals.
Why Late Detection Is a Problem
Experts warn that delayed testing among migrants doesn’t only affect individual health — it poses broader public health risks. People unaware of their HIV status are less likely to seek early treatment, increasing the chance of further transmission.
Barriers like language difficulties, fear of stigma, and lack of healthcare access often stop migrants from getting tested early.
Europe-Wide Trend of Late HIV Diagnosis
Switzerland isn’t alone in this. Similar studies across Europe show that migrants from sub-Saharan Africa and non-EU regions are more likely to get diagnosed late.
A report by the UK Health Security Agency revealed that about 65% of migrants diagnosed with HIV in the UK contracted the virus after moving there. Another study published in the AIDS Journal found that across nine European countries, 63% of migrants were infected post-migration — including 45% from sub-Saharan Africa.
These numbers underscore the urgent need for inclusive and culturally sensitive healthcare policies that prioritize early testing and awareness among migrant populations.
What This Means for Public Health
Experts believe Switzerland and other European nations must strengthen migrant outreach programs, ensuring affordable, confidential, and multilingual testing options.
The study ultimately sends a strong message: HIV prevention can no longer take a one-size-fits-all approach. Addressing migration realities and social barriers is key to reducing new infections.
FAQs
1. Why are migrants more likely to be diagnosed with HIV after migration?
Because of limited access to healthcare, language barriers, and fear of stigma, many migrants delay testing after moving to new countries.
2. What is the main message of the Swiss HIV study?
That over half of HIV cases among migrants in Switzerland occur post-migration, showing the need for earlier testing and prevention programs.
3. Which group had the highest rate of post-migration infection?
Men who have sex with men (MSM) made up the largest share, followed by female and male heterosexuals.
4. How can governments improve HIV prevention among migrants?
By offering free, confidential testing in multiple languages, promoting awareness, and combating stigma.
What are your thoughts on this finding? Should Europe do more to support migrant health? Share your opinion in the comments below!
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