Migrants: HIV testing
Export Indicator
The extent of HIV testing and counselling among migrants from countries with generalised HIV epidemics.
Migrants from countries with generalized HIV epidemics are disproportionately affected by HIV in many countries of Europe. There is some evidence of ongoing transmission of HIV among migrants from countries with generalized HIV epidemics in the host countries. In order to protect themselves and to prevent infecting others, it is important for migrants from countries with generalised epidemics to know their HIV status. Knowledge of one’s status is also a critical factor in the decision to seek treatment.
Number of migrants from countries with generalized HIV epidemics who have been tested for HIV during the last 12 months and who know their results.
Number of migrants from countries with generalized HIV epidemics who are included in the sample.
Numerator / Denominator
Behavioural surveillance or other special surveys.
Respondents are asked the following questions:
1. Have you been tested for HIV in the last 12 months?
If yes:
2. I don’t want to know the results, but did you receive the results of that test?
Access to survey respondents as well as the data collected from them must remain confidential.
Every 3-5 years
Age group: < (less than) 25 years, > (greater than) 25 years
Gender: Male, Female
Strengths and Weaknesses
Where large numbers of people are HIV positive and know their status, this may affect uptake of HIV testing. Optimal frequency of HIV testing of migrants from countries with generalized HIV epidemics will vary according to current risk behaviour.
There are a range of ethical issues associated with targeting HIV testing towards migrants from countries with generalised HIV epidemics, including specific issues relating to undocumented migrants, such as mandatory testing on entry into a particular country and restrictions on access to treatment for undocumented migrants in some countries.
To maximize the utility of data, it is recommended that the same sample used for the calculation of this indicator be used for the calculation of the other indicators related to these populations.
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.