Migrants: HIV prevalence
Export Indicator
The extent of HIV infection among migrants.
Many countries in Europe and central Asia are concerned that different migrant populations are disproportionately affected by HIV. There is a need for robust evidence to substantiate this concern. HIV prevalence among these populations is a critical part of such evidence.
Number of migrants who test positive for HIV.
Number of migrants tested for HIV.
Numerator / Denominator
This indicator can be measured using programmatic data, e.g. from sentinel sites or through special surveys.
One to five years (depending on method)
Every 3-5 years
Age group: < (less than) 25 years, > (greater than) 25 years
Gender: Male, Female
Strengths and Weaknesses
Prevalence data is needed to establish that a particular group is disproportionately affected by HIV. Behavioural data may indicate increased risk but without biological confirmation does not indicate exposure.
The term ‘migrant’ is used very differently in different contexts. There is strong evidence in many European countries that migrants from countries with generalized HIV epidemics are disproportionately affected by HIV. However, there is not yet strong evidence for this link in other types of migrants. When reporting prevalence data, it is important to define clearly the group of migrants being considered.
In theory, assessing progress in reducing the occurrence of new infections is best done through monitoring changes in incidence over time. However, in practice, information about prevalence is more available than for incidence.
Further Information
ECDC (2010) Implementing the Dublin Declaration on Partnership to Fight HIV/AIDS in Europe and central Asia: 2010 Progress Report Section 2.5 Migrants pp. 105-121. http://ecdc.europa.eu/en/publications/Publications/1009_SPR_Dublin_decla....
Special Note
As for all indicators related to monitoring the Dublin Declaration on Partnership to Fight HIV/AIDS in Europe and central Asia, where a country does not have data for the indicator specified but has data for a similar indicator, the country is welcome to submit such data when reporting. When submitting alternate data, please provide as much detail as possible as to what information is being supplied. More questions related to the qualitative assessment of migrants are included in the ECDC supplement NCPI questionnaire.