We are left to wonder what is happening. For many MSM, the decision to leave their country is fueled by the need to escape oppressive regimes with the perception of a less stigmatised life in Europe. On arrival, however, they are not able nor willing to access PrEP programs, not able to engage with local health promotion, and are still faced with stigma and structural barriers in their new home. To add insult to injury, when some of these men acquire HIV, access to ART for undocumented migrants is impossible in many European countries.
While migration in Australia is a complex arena, MSM migrants are a key population that represent a high risk for the acquisition of HIV. We must engage these men with culturally and linguistically appropriate information at the services at which we work. Furthermore, while we are lucky to be able to offer importation of PrEP and compassionate access of ART to migrants without Medicare, we need to ensure that our new migrants can be empowered to reduce their risk of HIV.
Author bio:
Ian is currently a PHO (Registrar) at Cairns Sexual Health Service and a GP Registrar. He has a keen interest in holistic health, including the implementation of change on the system level. Ian has a background in education, public health, and leadership, having completed a Master of Public Policy at Simon Fraser University and courses in Medical Leadership at UQ. His interests expand to global health and health equity, and consequently he has been involved in health projects overseas.
