Netherlands: New study links migration and poverty to HIV risk

Immigration and poverty tied to heightened HIV risk in the Netherlands

There is a strong social gradient associated with HIV diagnoses in the Netherlands, Dr Vita Jongen from Stichting HIV Monitoring and colleagues report in The Lancet Regional Health – Europe. People who are poorer or are first-generation immigrants are much more likely to be diagnosed with HIV, while intersections between poverty and migration further increase their vulnerability.

Background

The Netherlands has nearly reached the UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets: 95% of people with HIV are diagnosed, 95% of those diagnosed are on treatment and 95% of those on treatment are virally suppressed. Additionally, access to HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) has dramatically reduced HIV transmission, particularly among younger people.

While new HIV diagnoses dropped consistently throughout the 2010s, they’ve stabilised since 2020, at around approximately 500 a year. Gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men make up around 60% of these new diagnoses, other men around 20%, women around 16% and trans people around 4%.

However, gaps remain – especially for groups such as women and cisgender straight men. Across Europe, there are gaps in coverage of HIV prevention and treatment for migrants. Migrants often lack in-depth knowledge of how to navigate the health system in a new country and may find that language barriers make access to HIV services a challenge.

At a time of decreasing HIV incidence across Europe, when some groups are disproportionately affected by new diagnoses, researchers are interested in the structural and social factors that may make certain people more vulnerable to acquiring HIV. Here, the focus isn’t on risk groups and sexual behaviours – as has been the focus for most of the epidemic – but instead on broader factors, such as poverty or immigration status, and how these cluster together and intersect to create unique and emerging HIV vulnerabilities.

The study

HIV care in the Netherlands is provided by 23 treatment centres who contribute data to the centralised Stichting HIV Monitoring. While the Netherlands has universal healthcare, this is based on mandatory private insurance contributions. HIV testing is free for specific populations, such as gay men and trans women. Documented migrants have access to the healthcare system, but undocumented migrants may have to pay out of pocket for health-related services. However, any care deemed medically necessary – such as HIV testing and care – should not be withheld, even for undocumented people.

Over 97% of all people living with HIV in the Netherlands also contribute their data to a research cohort, AIDS Therapy Evaluation in the Netherlands (ATHENA). This is one of the main data sources for the current study.

Additionally, researchers accessed data from Statistics Netherlands for two purposes. The first was to perform comparisons between age and sex-matched individuals in the general population and people diagnosed with HIV. The second was to match HIV diagnosis data with specific individuals represented in Statistics Netherlands data, to investigate potential associations between being diagnosed with HIV and education, income, immigration status and certain health behaviours, such as using mental healthcare services or antidepressant medication. This was done by matching an individual’s date of birth, the first four digits of the postal code of their last known residence and sex at birth. This allowed for linkage between ATHENA and Statistics Netherlands data. If exact matching was not possible, the data was not used for the results.

All people in the ATHENA cohort over 18 and newly diagnosed with HIV in the Netherlands between January 2012 and December 2023 were included. People who migrated to the Netherlands with known HIV were excluded, as were transgender people – due to small numbers and the possible risk of identification.

Intersecting factors create unique vulnerabilities to HIV

For the study period, 6055 men and 1020 women were newly diagnosed with HIV. Most people diagnosed with HIV were aged between 25 and 49 years old – 64% of all diagnoses for both men and women, with very few diagnoses among those aged 18 to 25. The 25-to-49-year-old group was overrepresented when compared to the general Dutch population, where they comprised 44% of all men and 49% of all women.

Of men diagnosed with HIV, most were neither first- or second-generation immigrants (59%), a large proportion had secondary education or higher (41%) and fell into the middle-to-low-income bracket (43%). However, when compared with the general population, there were many more immigrants among those diagnosed with HIV than generally (40% vs. 23%) and more men living below the poverty line among those diagnosed with HIV (23% vs. 12%). There were also sizable differences in those who used mental health care services and antidepressants among those diagnosed with HIV and the general population (7% vs. 5% and 8% vs. 5%, respectively).

Of women diagnosed with HIV, most were first-generation immigrants (55%), a large proportion had mainly primary and secondary education (44%) and their income fell below the poverty line (45%). Moreover, when compared with the general population, there were many more immigrants among those diagnosed with HIV than generally (64% vs. 25%) and there more women living below the poverty line among those diagnosed with HIV (45% vs. 14%). There was a notable difference in those who used antipsychotic medications among people diagnosed with HIV and the general population (5% vs. 2%).

When considering specific socio-economic categories and health behaviours, first-generation immigrant men were over twice as likely to be diagnosed with HIV than non-immigrants (adjusted Odds Ratio 2.21, 95% Confidence Interval 2.08-2.35). This pattern was much stronger for first-generation immigrant women, who were over four times more likely to be diagnosed with HIV than non-immigrant women (aOR 4.48, 95% CI 3.87-5.19). Statistically significant increases in HIV diagnoses still held true for second-generation immigrants but were not as pronounced, as these people were born in the Netherlands and likely have better healthcare knowledge and access.

The most notable difference for both women and men related to income: women living below the poverty line were over four times more likely to be diagnosed with HIV than high-income women (aOR 4.71, 95% CI 3.8-5.83), while women in the middle to low-income bracket were nearly two and a half times more likely to be diagnosed with HIV than high income women (aOR 2.49, 95% CI 2.05-3.01). For men, this difference was not as dramatic – men living below the poverty line were nearly twice as likely to be diagnosed with HIV than high-income men (aOR 1.75, 95% CI 1.62-1.89). The poverty line is defined as household income less than 120% of the social minimum, or income needed to survive.

Interestingly, men who used antidepressants were more likely to be diagnosed with HIV than those who did not; for women, antipsychotic medications were more likely to be associated with an HIV diagnosis.

When considering combined demographic, socio-economic and health behaviour factors, certain profiles were more likely to have a predicted risk of being diagnosed with HIV than others. A first-generation immigrant man aged 25 to 49, with income below the poverty line and using antidepressants, would have a 12-fold higher risk of being diagnosed with HIV than a man older than 50, with no immigration history and a high income. Similarly, a first-generation immigrant woman aged 25 to 49, with income below the poverty line, receiving social welfare, and using antipsychotic medications, would have a much higher predicted risk of being diagnosed with HIV than women with differing profiles.

Conclusion

“A disproportionally higher burden of new HIV diagnoses was observed for individuals with not only a migration background, but also economic and mental health vulnerabilities,” the authors conclude. “Barriers to HIV prevention and testing need to be reduced if we are to achieve no new HIV infections and end the HIV epidemic.”

This research is a clear indication of the social gradient: those who are poorer and experience the worst consequences of migration, such as first-generation immigrants, are much more likely to see worse health outcomes, such as being diagnosed with HIV. These negative health consequences ease off for low-to-middle income people and second-generation immigrants but are still visible – even in settings with access to HIV testing and prevention.

Intersections between factors such as poverty and migration heighten HIV vulnerability and need to be adequately and actively acknowledged by any public health policies aimed at eliminating new cases of HIV.

References

Jongen VW et al. Risk of new HIV diagnosis by intersecting migration, socioeconomic, and mental health vulnerabilities in the Netherlands: a nationwide analysis of the ATHENA cohort and Statistics Netherlands registry data. The Lancet Regional Health – Europe, 60: 101508, 2026 (open access).

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lanepe.2025.101508

Russia: Tougher health reporting rules for clinics and migrants advance in Russia

Translated with AI – Scroll down for article in Russian

Medical control is being tightened in Russia: migrants are waiting for tests, fines and a criminal charge for fake certificates

The State Duma Committee approved a bill that significantly tightens medical examinations for foreign citizens, writes the telegram channel Ostashko! Important.

According to the new rules, all foreigners arriving in Russia for more than 90 days must be tested for HIV and drugs within 30 days after entry, and then annually.

Previously, the terms of examinations for different categories of visitors could vary and reach 90 days. Now the violation of these requirements threatens with a fine of 25 to 50 thousand rubles, and in case of non-repayment of the amount – its doubling and mandatory expulsion by court decision.

Separately, the law introduces liability for forged medical certificates. Violators may face criminal punishment of up to 4 years in prison.

The rules for medical organizations are also changing. Now clinics are obliged to inform the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Rospotrebnadzor about the identified dangerous diseases among foreigners. Violation of the examination procedure may result in a fine of up to 1 million rubles or suspension of activities for up to 90 days. If violations are recorded in several migrants, fines will be charged for each.

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В России ужесточают медконтроль: мигрантов ждут тесты, штрафы и уголовка за поддельные справки

Комитет Госдумы одобрил законопроект, который существенно ужесточает медицинские проверки для иностранных граждан, пишет телеграм-канал Осташко! Важное.

Согласно новым правилам, все иностранцы, прибывающие в Россию на срок более 90 дней, должны в течение 30 дней после въезда пройти тестирование на ВИЧ и наркотики, а затем — ежегодно.

Ранее сроки прохождения обследований у разных категорий приезжих могли различаться и достигать 90 дней. Теперь нарушение этих требований грозит штрафом от 25 до 50 тысяч рублей, а при непогашении суммы — её удвоением и обязательным выдворением по решению суда.

Отдельно закон вводит ответственность за поддельные медицинские справки. Нарушителям может грозить уголовное наказание до 4 лет лишения свободы.

Также изменяются правила для медицинских организаций. Теперь клиники обязаны информировать МВД и Роспотребнадзор о выявленных опасных заболеваниях у иностранцев. Нарушение порядка освидетельствования может обернуться штрафом до 1 миллиона рублей или приостановкой деятельности на срок до 90 суток. Если нарушения зафиксированы у нескольких мигрантов, штрафы будут начисляться за каждого.

Spain: Regularisation of migrants expected to improve HIV diagnosis and prevention

AI translation – Scroll down for article in Spanish

Cesida emphasizes that the extraordinary regularization of migrants will improve their real access to public health

The State Coordinator of HIV and AIDS (Cesida) has applauded the implementation of the procedures for an extraordinary administrative regularization that will affect more than half a million migrants living in Spain. The organization believes that this measure will allow real access to the health system and will help leave behind a situation of structural exclusion with a direct impact on their health and quality of life.

Cesida highlights the relevance of this initiative in the context of the response to the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Ordinary access to health makes it possible to advance in the diagnosis, treatment and implementation of combined prevention strategies, including pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP).

The entity has insisted that a health system that aspires to be truly universal must prioritize care for people in the most vulnerable situations, including those at high risk of acquiring HIV.

In this line, Cesida stressed that administrative exclusion not only implies a violation of rights, but also weakens public health policies and the capacity for collective response to the epidemic.

The Venezuelan migrant with HIV and member of the Cesida executive Jesús Cisneros has valued the positive impact of regularization for “all these people who have found themselves for years working in a submerged economy and living in a rather precarious way.”

Likewise, he has asked to continue advancing rules of this type and speed up administrative procedures, since, as he has pointed out, these people come to Spain on many occasions “because their life depends on it, they depend on HIV medication to continue living.”

The Cesida entities that work with the migrant population have already been activated to support the management of this regularization, providing information, social support and legal advice to people who may benefit from the process.

The State Coordinator of HIV and AIDS has also demanded to pay attention to the administrative deadlines and requirements that continue to condition access to health care. Specifically, he pointed out that the times linked to registration, whose resolution period can be extended up to three months, continue to be an element that can significantly delay effective access to health.

Cesida subraya que la regularización extraordinaria de migrantes mejorará su acceso real a la sanidad pública

La Coordinadora Estatal de VIH y sida (Cesida) ha aplaudido la puesta en marcha de los trámites para una regularización administrativa extraordinaria que afectará a más de medio millón de personas migrantes residentes en España. La organización considera que esta medida permitirá un acceso real al sistema sanitario y ayudará a dejar atrás una situación de exclusión estructural con impacto directo en su salud y en su calidad de vida.

Desde Cesida se remarca la relevancia de esta iniciativa en el marco de la respuesta frente al virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana (VIH). El acceso ordinario a la sanidad posibilita avanzar en el diagnóstico, el tratamiento y la implementación de estrategias de prevención combinada, entre ellas la profilaxis preexposición (PrEP) y la profilaxis posexposición (PEP).

La entidad ha insistido en que un sistema sanitario que aspire a ser verdaderamente universal debe priorizar la atención a las personas en situación de mayor vulnerabilidad, incluidas aquellas con un riesgo elevado de adquirir el VIH.

En esta línea, Cesida ha recalcado que la exclusión administrativa no solo implica una vulneración de derechos, sino que también debilita las políticas de salud pública y la capacidad de respuesta colectiva ante la epidemia.

El migrante venezolano con VIH y miembro de la ejecutiva de Cesida Jesús Cisneros ha puesto en valor el impacto positivo de la regularización para “todas estas personas que se han encontrado durante años trabajando en una economía sumergida y viviendo de una manera bastante precaria”.

Asimismo, ha pedido seguir avanzando en normas de este tipo y acelerar los procedimientos administrativos, ya que, tal y como ha señalado, estas personas llegan a España en muchas ocasiones “porque su vida depende de ello, dependen de la medicación del VIH para seguir viviendo”.

Las entidades de Cesida que trabajan con población migrante ya se han activado para apoyar la gestión de esta regularización, proporcionando información, acompañamiento social y asesoramiento jurídico a las personas que puedan verse beneficiadas por el proceso.

La Coordinadora Estatal de VIH y sida ha reclamado además prestar atención a los plazos y requisitos administrativos que continúan condicionando el acceso a la atención sanitaria. En concreto, ha señalado que los tiempos vinculados al empadronamiento, cuyo plazo de resolución puede alargarse hasta tres meses, siguen siendo un elemento que puede demorar de forma notable el acceso efectivo a la salud.

Russia: List of diseases for which labour migrants are tested expand to include hepatitis B and C

Migrants arriving in Russia will be examined for hepatitis B, C and D in 2026.

The Ministry of Health has already prepared amendments to the order on medical examination of foreigners, now its draft is under approval, said Natalia Pakskina, Deputy Director of the Department of Emergency Medical Care Organization and Health Risk Management of the Ministry of Health of Russia.

“We are, by and large, on the finish line. We have included just a medical examination of foreigners for hepatitis B and C, including with a delta agent (hepatitis D). Therefore, we will examine foreigners from the same year,”
– Pakskina reported.

Earlier, a bill was submitted to the State Duma, which involves migrants to undergo medical examinations within 30 days from the date of entry into Russia. Now this period is 90 days.
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Прибывающих в Россию мигрантов в 2026 году начнут обследовать на гепатиты B, C и D.

Минздрав уже подготовил изменения в приказ о медицинском освидетельствовании иностранцев, сейчас его проект на согласовании, рассказала замдиректора департамента организации экстренной медицинской помощи и управления рисками здоровью Минздрава России Наталья Пакскина.

«Мы, по большому счету, на финишной прямой. Мы включили как раз медицинское обследование иностранцев на гепатиты В и С, в том числе с дельта-агентом (гепатит D). Поэтому обследовать иностранцев мы будем с этого же года»,
— сообщила Пакскина.
Ранее в Госдуму внесли законопроект, предполагающий прохождение мигрантами медосвидетельствования в течение 30 дней с момента въезда в Россию. Сейчас этот срок составляет 90 дней.
Источник: https://moika78.ru/news/2026-01-28/1254506-v-rossii-nachnut-proveryat-migrantov-na-gepatity-v-s-i-d

Russia: Migrants to undergo medical examination within 30 days of entry under proposed bill

A bill on combating illegal migration and protecting the health of citizens has been submitted to the State Duma. This was announced on her VKontakte page by Irina Yarovaya, Deputy Speaker of the lower house of parliament.

The bill proposes amendments to the law ‘On the Legal Status of Foreign Citizens in the Russian Federation.’ Under current regulations, migrants must undergo a medical examination within 90 days of entering Russia. If the bill is passed, foreigners will undergo a medical examination within 30 days of entry. The authors of the initiative also propose to oblige those who have arrived in the country for more than 30 days to undergo a medical examination annually.

Foreigners will be tested for dangerous infectious diseases and HIV, as well as for drug use. Medical organisations will forward information about diseases among new arrivals to Rospotrebnadzor and the Ministry of Internal Affairs ‘for prompt deportation.’

Migrants who evade medical examinations may also be deported from Russia. The amendments also propose increasing fines for migrants who evade medical examinations by more than 12 times, to 25,000-50,000 roubles, with the possibility of deportation at the discretion of the court.

Earlier, State Duma Chairman Vyacheslav Volodin reported that administrative liability is expected to be introduced for foreign citizens who evade medical examinations.

In addition, according to the speaker of the lower house, it is expected to ‘establish increased criminal liability for the forgery of official documents certifying the absence of diseases that pose a danger to others, and their circulation.’

At the end of 2024, President Vladimir Putin signed a decree requiring illegal migrants in Russia to regularise their status or leave the country by 30 April 2025.

Among the requirements for illegal migrants who want to remain in Russia were the submission of biometric data and medical examinations for drugs, infectious diseases and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

In addition, migrants are required to pass a test on their knowledge of the Russian language, history and laws, as well as to pay off any outstanding debts. The decree states that those who have signed a contract with the Ministry of Defence for military service will not be deported. Previous decisions on deportation, readmission, refusal of entry into Russia, undesirability of stay and reduction of the period of temporary stay in the country will not be enforced in their regard. This provision does not apply to foreigners who pose a threat to Russia’s national security.

In February last year, a public register of illegal migrants was launched in Russia. In addition, a new procedure for their expulsion from the country came into force.

Мигрантам предложили сократить срок прохождения медобследования

Законопроект о противодействии нелегальной миграции и защите здоровья граждан внесен в Государственную думу. Об этом сообщила на своей странице во «ВКонтакте» вице-спикер нижней палаты парламента Ирина Яровая.

Проектом предлагается внести поправки в закон «О правовом положении иностранных граждан в Российской Федерации». По действующим нормам, после въезда в Россию мигранты должны пройти медобследование в течение 90 дней. Если документ примут, иностранцы будут проходить медицинское освидетельствование в течение 30 дней с момента въезда. Авторы инициативы предлагают также обязать тех, кто приехал в страну более чем на 30 дней, проходить медосвидетельствование ежегодно.

Иностранцев будут проверять на наличие опасных инфекционных заболеваний и ВИЧ, а также на употребление наркотических веществ. Медицинские организации станут передавать информацию о болезнях у приезжих в Роспотребнадзор и МВД «для оперативной высылки».

За уклонение от медобследования мигранта могут также выслать из России. Поправками в том числе предлагаетсяповысить штрафы за уклонение мигрантов от медосвидетельствования более чем в 12 раз, до 25–50 тыс. руб., с возможностью выдворения на усмотрение суда.

Ранее председатель Госдумы Вячеслав Володин сообщал, что предполагается ввести административную ответственность за уклонение иностранных граждан от медосвидетельствования.

Кроме того, по словам спикера нижней палаты, предполагается «установить повышенную уголовную ответственность за подделку официальных документов об отсутствии заболеваний, представляющих опасность для окружающих, и их оборот».

В конце 2024 года президент Владимир Путин подписал указ, по которому находящиеся в России нелегальные мигранты обязаны урегулировать свой статус или покинуть территорию страны до 30 апреля 2025-го.

Среди требований к тем нелегальным мигрантам, кто хочет остаться на территории России, были указаны сдача биометрических данных и прохождение медицинского освидетельствования на наркотики, наличие инфекционных заболеваний и вируса иммунодефицита человека (ВИЧ).

Мигранты помимо этого обязаны сдать тест на знание русского языка, истории и законов России, а также погасить имеющиеся задолженности. В указе говорится, что тех, кто заключил контракт с Минобороны на прохождение военной службы, не будут депортировать. В отношении них не будут исполнены принятые ранее решения о депортации, реадмиссии, неразрешении въезда в Россию, нежелательности пребывания и сокращении сроков временного пребывания в стране. Это положение не применяется к иностранцам, которые создают угрозу для национальной безопасности России.

В феврале прошлого года в России заработал публичный реестр нелегальных мигрантов. Кроме того, вступил в силу новый порядок их высылки из страны.

No-cost legal clinics available for NYC immigrants

If you are an immigrant in NYC, free legal clinics are available to help you. At these clinics, you can speak with a lawyer or a supervised law student at no cost. Many clinics help people regardless of immigration status and offer services in multiple languages. Clinics can help with immigration cases, housing issues, work problems, family matters, and other legal questions.

Pro-bono lawyers may have a full case load or have specific requirements for the clients they are able to see at this time. As an alternative, you can consider visiting a legal clinic which may have more opportunities advise you on your legal issue.

Most of these clinics will require an appointment, so you will need to email or call in advance.

If you are not sure where to begin, you can call the NYC Immigration Legal Support Hotline at 800-354-0365, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. The hotline is run by the NYC Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairsand can help you find the right legal clinic for your situation.

Free, confidential help is available, and asking for help will not affect your immigration status.

Here are free legal clinics in New York City where you can get free legal advice, access to representation, or referrals.

Asian American Bar Association of New York

Partnering with local community organizations, the Asian American Bar Association of New York runs free monthly legal clinics in Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Flushing. People can check the Pro Bono & Community Service Committee (PBCS) calendar for details about each scheduled clinic. Interpreters are available.

Queens pro bono clinic: First Wednesday of the month from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at AAFE One Flushing Community Center (133-29 41st Avenue, 2nd Floor, Flushing)
Manhattan pro bono clinic: Third Wednesday of the month from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at AAFE Community Center (111 Norfolk Street, Manhattan)
Brooklyn pro bono clinic: Held bi-monthly on the second Saturday of the month from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. at CPC Brooklyn Community Services (4101 8th Avenue, Brooklyn)

City Council Member Susan Zhuang’s office

Susan Zhuang’s office offers free legal clinics every Friday at 6514 20th Avenue in Brooklyn. People can call (718) 307-7151 or email District43@council.nyc.gov to make an appointment.

Legal Services NYC

Legal Services NYC runs clinics and study groups to help low-income clients. It has offices in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and Staten Island. People can call the citywide intake line at (917) 661-4500, Monday through Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., to get scheduled for a local clinic.

LGBT Bar NY

LGBT Bar NY offers free drop-in legal clinics for the LGBTQ community. The clinic is held on Tuesday evenings from 6 to 8 p.m. at 208 West 13th Street in Manhattan. No appointment is needed, but people should arrive before 5:45 p.m. to make sure they can be helped.

New York Legal Assistance Group (NYLAG)

NYLAG runs free legal counseling, including help with immigration issues. It is based in Lower Manhattan and also offers mobile clinics across New York City. People can check their mobile legal help calendar for regular clinic days and locations.

Urban Justice Center

The Urban Justice Center offers free legal clinics at City Council Amanda Farías’s district office (778 Castle Avenue, Bronx). These are held on the second and last Monday of every month from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. You must call (718) 792-1140 to make an appointment.

Need family law help? You can make an appointment at the family law clinic, which is held every Wednesday at the Urban Justice Center (40 Rector Street, 9th Floor, Manhattan) from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. You must call (833) 321-4387 to make an appointment.

If you can’t make it to the Manhattan office, you can also request a virtual appointment for family lawyers. Make an appointment by emailing cprisco@council.nyc.gov.

In addition, the Urban Justice Center offers even more clinics that cover public benefits, homeless issues, and landlord-tenant problems across New York City. Learn more about those clinics here.

Taiwan: CDC planning to expand eligibility for publicly funded HIV treatment for foreign nationals

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) is planning to expand eligibility for publicly funded HIV treatment for foreign nationals next year, although it has not released many details on how the expansion would work.

CDC Director-General Lo Yi-chun (羅一鈞) told a press event on Monday last week that subsidy regulations are being revised and eligibility for publicly funded treatment for foreign residents would be expanded.

Lo at the time said the expansion would initially prioritize foreign nationals holding permanent residency and those under 18, but he offered no other details.

When the CDC was asked later in the week about how many more foreign nationals would become eligible for publicly funded treatment, it said it was still assessing the potential impact and “has no clear figure yet.”

Under its existing support program, the CDC covers costs for an HIV patient’s first two years on medication, after which expenses are covered by the National Health Insurance (NHI) system.

As of late last month, 36,494 Taiwanese and 615 foreign nationals in Taiwan were living with HIV, the CDC said in a written response on Friday.

Of the 615 foreign nationals, 343 were already covered under NHI, while the others have been on medication for less than two years and were not yet eligible for NHI coverage, although some have received financial help in other ways.

Patients are currently treated with highly active antiretroviral therapy, commonly known as “cocktail therapy” combining at least two to three antiretroviral drugs, with monthly medication costs capped at under NT$13,200.

At the news conference on Monday last week, Lo said the enrollment quota for the publicly funded HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) program would also be increased next year, to 9,500 people, from 8,000 this year.

The program, designed to prevent the incidence of HIV, is open to Taiwanese and foreign spouses of Taiwanese who meet the criteria and are assessed by physicians, the CDC said.

Lo said Taiwan would record about 850 new HIV cases this year, the lowest level since 2003 and down about 11 to 12 percent from last year, in part because of the PrEP program.

Kazakhstan: Healthcare access for documented and undocumented migrants in Kazakhstan

Translated with Deepl.com. For original article in Russian, please scroll down.

According to the UN, the health of migrants is a human right, not a factor for discrimination. Various international organisations are calling on countries to provide universal health coverage regardless of status, as migrants are often even more vulnerable than the local population to infections, injuries, mental disorders (stress, anxiety) and have special needs that must be taken into account in policies under the Global Compact on Migration. A Kazinform correspondent investigated the state of migrant health care in Kazakhstan.

As of autumn 2025, more than 14,000 foreign citizens are officially working in Kazakhstan, with figures varying: on 1 October there were 14,666 people, and on 1 November there were more than 14,400; The quota for attracting foreign workers in 2025 has been increased to 19,400.

Migrants in Kazakhstan are entitled to various types of medical care, depending on their legal status. Persons with residence permits and kandasy can receive full free medical care (GOBMP) and, upon payment of contributions, services under the compulsory medical insurance system (OSMS). Foreigners temporarily staying in the country are entitled to free emergency and urgent medical care.

Emir from Tajikistan is a doctor by training. He initially ended up in Kazakhstan because he wanted to obtain a visa to Europe through a local company for seasonal field work in order to earn money. But the company deceived him, so Emir decided that it was for the best and that he could officially work in his profession in Kazakhstan.

Emir obtained a work permit, and he tries to take care of his health and get medical check-ups whenever possible. Emir is lucky: he lives and works in Kazakhstan legally, so he can afford to enjoy all the benefits available to foreigners with a temporary residence permit (TRP) or a residence permit (RP).

But what about those who are migrants in Kazakhstan but outside the legal framework?

Anna Kozlova is a migration consultant at the non-governmental organisation Community Friends. Her main focus is on helping foreigners who find themselves in an illegal situation, either deliberately or through circumstances beyond their control.

“From our experience, I can say that Kazakhstan’s legislation is quite loyal to migrants, especially compared to other post-Soviet countries. We have access to medical care and treatment for illnesses. This attracts a large number of migrants to the country. But the problem is that not all of them end up working officially. Only migrants who are legally in the country can enjoy all the benefits. People who are here illegally cannot count on anything, except perhaps the kindness of Kazakhstani people who will help them,” said Anna Kozlova.

In practice, there are cases where people find themselves hostage to bureaucracy. Anna told the story of a woman from Kyrgyzstan who crossed the Kazakh border 10 years ago with a bag of heroin.

She was detained in Kazakhstan, sentenced to 10 years in prison, and released on parole after seven years. Parole requires that a person not only be firmly committed to rehabilitation, but also have a place to live, where they can register and be monitored by law enforcement agencies, and have the opportunity to find employment, because there are lawsuits, and because that is what is required for resocialisation.

In this case, a citizen of another country is released on parole, but she has no opportunity to obtain a temporary residence permit as a migrant in order to legally stay here, serve the remainder of her sentence, find employment and live, because she has already served seven years of her sentence.

But the problem is that the court has sentenced her to five more years of supervision, which means that after her sentence ends, she must remain in Kazakhstan for another five years under the supervision of law enforcement agencies. And then she becomes pregnant. She came to me in her seventh month of pregnancy. When she gave birth, we thought that since she had served her sentence, we would be able to send her back to her homeland with her child. But the migration service and the prosecutor’s office said they had no right to ignore the court’s decision on five years of supervision. Even though she cannot find a job, receive benefits, free medical care for herself or her child, or vaccinations. I was told to apply to the court through the Kyrgyz embassy to have the supervision order revoked, and only then would we be able to send her back to her homeland. For now, she is staying at the Mother’s House and her status is in limbo: she is illegal because she cannot obtain a temporary residence permit, but she is also legal because she is under supervision, said Anna Kozlova.

How migrants’ illnesses are treated in Kazakhstan

Getting checked for certain illnesses is very important. However, not every migrant is willing or able to do this on a regular basis, especially when it comes to HIV testing.

As part of a special programme called ‘Migrant Health’, implemented by private public foundations, a goal was set to expand the model of HIV prevention among migrants.

The project covered almost two thousand migrants, of whom 85 were found to be HIV-positive. In other words, 90% of those covered were HIV-negative, while 10% were HIV-positive. Most of the migrants were from Tajikistan (25%), Uzbekistan (22%) and Kyrgyzstan (17%), with returnees accounting for 30% of the total.

Key populations accounted for 82% of the total number of people covered, while non-key populations accounted for 18%. It should be noted that the project did not check whether these people had previously been registered as HIV-positive in their home countries, or whether they were previously unaware of their status, or whether they became infected while in Kazakhstan.

Be that as it may, the results showed that in order to preserve the health of migrants, it is necessary not only to shift responsibility onto them, but also to take measures on the other side.

What is available to migrants with HIV in Kazakhstan

Foreigners with HIV in Kazakhstan are not legally entitled to free ARV therapy if they are in the country temporarily, as it is part of the guaranteed free medical care for citizens and kandas. However, thanks to the support of the Global Fund and NGOs, such people are provided with medication and counselling through special programmes, such as PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis), so that they can receive treatment and continue therapy, sometimes with legal support.

Samir, a 27-year-old migrant from Tajikistan, learned about his HIV status by contacting the Migrant Health 2 project in Kazakhstan. He thought the diagnosis meant the end of a normal life, but peer counsellors (people who have lived with the disease themselves) helped him understand that HIV is treatable and that U=U: with treatment, the virus is not transmissible.

Because foreigners in Kazakhstan cannot receive ARV therapy, the project team registered Samir remotely with the AIDS centre in Tajikistan: he took tests in Kazakhstan, received consultations online, and the medicines were delivered to his place of work.

When it became clear that his wife was pregnant, the project helped to conduct testing, maintaining confidentiality, and the test was negative.

After three months of treatment, Samir’s viral load became undetectable. He remained healthy and protected his family.

Why is HIV treatment important for everyone? Firstly, to control the disease. HIV is well controlled today: people who receive treatment live normal lives. Secondly, it is necessary to achieve zero transmission. Modern therapy reduces the amount of virus in the blood to zero. This means that the health of a person with HIV does not deteriorate, and the person does not transmit HIV to others. It is also important to stop the epidemic. When all people living with HIV — locals, migrants and relocants — receive treatment, the epidemic slows down and stops. Providing treatment to migrants is not only a matter of humanity, but also an effective public health measure, said Oksana Ibragimova, an advocacy specialist at the Kazakh Union of People Living with HIV.

She is convinced that treating HIV, as well as other diseases among migrants, protects society, as migrants are part of society; they work, study and start families. Their health directly affects the health of local communities.

However, restrictions and deportation of HIV-positive migrants, she said, do not stop the epidemic: people continue to move, and the lack of treatment is the main factor in the spread of HIV.

In addition, prohibitive measures create fear and lead to people avoiding testing and help, which increases the number of undetected cases. The most effective approach is to ensure access to treatment: a person on therapy does not transmit the virus, which means that this is the most effective way to protect public health.

Thanks to the conditions created by the state and the activities of public figures, migrants with HIV-positive status in Kazakhstan can not only receive advice on access to treatment in Kazakhstan, but also referrals for testing at the AIDS Centre at the expense of public funds, as well as assistance in obtaining therapy (from their home country, at the expense of the GFSMT quota, issuance from a mutual aid first aid kit), peer-to-peer support to start treatment and maintain adherence.

What else can migrants be treated for in Kazakhstan

If a migrant is in Kazakhstan legally, i.e. has a temporary residence permit or permanent residence permit, they are entitled to medical assistance under medical insurance if they have made contributions.

If a foreigner is in the country legally but is not working, then in the event of illness, they will be offered two options: to return home for treatment or to pay for treatment in Kazakhstan.

I had a case with a girl from Afghanistan who was living here legally with her husband — he was working, and she had a temporary residence permit as a family reunion, but she had not made any contributions because she was not working here. One day, she was diagnosed with tuberculosis and admitted to hospital. The open form of tuberculosis was treated, and then she had to either be sent back to her home country to complete her treatment or pay for it here. They wanted to send her to Afghanistan, but with our help, we managed to get permission for her to stay, and her husband paid for her treatment,” Kozlova explained.

The health of migrant children in Kazakhstan

Migrant children, like adults, face certain restrictions.

For example, if a migrant child needs to be vaccinated, they have to go to private medical centres if their parents are staying in Kazakhstan illegally or semi-legally. The same problem applies to their education.

‘In some places, doctors make concessions and examine these children. Teachers make concessions in schools because they understand that the children are hanging around, and they take them in for education, figuring something out there. But if migrants are in the country illegally, then according to the law, their children cannot count on anything either,’ concluded Anna Kozlova.

As we can see, if a foreigner comes to Kazakhstan, lives and works here legally, they have good opportunities for social security, including health care.

However, in the case of illegal status, the situation becomes more complicated, and only with the support of competent consultants and in close contact with the authorised state bodies is it possible to solve problems on an individual basis.

Experts believe that maintaining the health of everyone in Kazakhstan is not just a matter of image, but also a direct contribution to the epidemic well-being and health protection of society.

As a reminder, the new rules for registering immigrants in Kazakhstan will come into force on 1 July 2026.

Легально и нелегально: какие медуслуги доступны мигрантам в Казахстане

По данным ООН, здоровье мигрантов — это право человека, а не фактор дискриминации. Различные международные организации призывают страны ко всеобщему охвату услугами здравоохранения без учета статуса, так как мигранты нередко даже больше местного населения подвержены риску инфекций, травм, психических расстройств (стресс, тревога) и имеют особые потребности, которые должны учитываться в политике, в рамках Глобального договора по миграции. О том, как обстоят дела с охраной здоровья мигрантов в Казахстане, узнавал корреспондент Kazinform.

По состоянию на осень 2025 года, в Казахстане официально работают более 14 тысяч иностранных граждан, причем цифры варьируются: на 1 октября было 14 666 человек, а на 1 ноября — более 14,4 тысячи; квота на привлечение ИРС в 2025 году увеличена до 19,4 тысячи.

Мигранты в Казахстане имеют право на разные виды медицинской помощи, зависящие от их правового статуса. Лица с видом на жительство и кандасы могут получить полный объем бесплатной медицинской помощи (ГОБМП) и при уплате взносов услуги по системе обязательного медицинского страхования (ОСМС). Иностранцы, временно пребывающие в стране, имеют право на экстренную и неотложную медицинскую помощь бесплатно.

Эмир из Таджикистана сам по образованию врач. В Казахстане изначально оказался в связи с тем, что хотел через местную компанию получить визу в Европу на сезонные полевые работы, чтобы заработать денег. Но компания обманула его и так Эмир решил, что оно и к лучшему, и в Казахстане можно официально поработать по специальности. Эмир получил разрешение на работу, он старается следить за своим здоровьем и по возможности проходить обследования.

Эмиру повезло: он живет и работает в Казахстане легально, поэтому может себе позволить пользоваться всеми преимуществами, которые доступны иностранцам с РВП (разрешение на временное пребывание) или ВНЖ (вид на жительство). А что делать тем, кто является в Казахстане мигрантом, но вне правового поля?

Анна Козлова является консультантом по вопросам миграции в неправительственной организации Сommunity friends. Основное направление ее деятельности — помощь тем иностранцам, кто оказался в положении нелегала осознанно или по стечению обстоятельств.

— Из опыта нашей работы могу сказать, что в Казахстане законодательство довольно лояльно к мигрантам, особенно по сравнению с другими странами постсоветского пространства, у нас есть доступ к медицине, лечат заболевания. Это привлекает в страну большое количество мигрантов. Но проблема в том, что не все из них в итоге работают официально. А ведь только легально находящиеся в стране мигранты пользуются как раз всеми благами. Пребывающие нелегально люди ни на что не могут рассчитывать, разве что на то, что казахстанцы по доброте будут помогать, — сказала Анна Козлова.

Встречаются на практике случаи, когда человек оказывается заложником бюрократии. Анна рассказала о ситуации женщины из Кыргызстана, которая 10 лет назад пересекала границу Казахстана с сумкой героина.

Ее задержали на территории Казахстана, осудили на 10 лет, спустя семь лет ее освободили по УДО. Условно досрочное освобождение предусматривает, что человек должен не просто твердо встать на путь исправления, но и иметь жилье, куда человек может приехать, прописаться, где его могут контролировать правоохранительные органы, и должна быть возможность трудоустроиться, потому что есть иски, ну и вообще так положено для ресоциализации.

В данном случае гражданка другой страны освобождается по УДО, но у нее нет никаких возможностей оформить себе РВП как мигранту, чтобы легально здесь находиться, отбывать остаток срока, трудоустроиться и жить, потому что она семь лет отбывала наказание.

— Но казус в том, что ей суд назначает еще пять лет надзора, то есть, после окончания срока, она еще пять лет должна находиться в Казахстане под надзором правоохранительных органов. А тут еще она беременеет. Она ко мне обратилась на седьмом месяце беременности. Когда случились роды, мы подумали, что раз она срок отбыла, мы ее сможем отправить на родину с ребенком. Но в миграционке и прокуратуре заявили, что не имеют права игнорировать решение суда о надзоре на пять лет. Хотя ей ни на работу ни устроиться, ни пособия, ни бесплатную медицину ни для себя, ни для ребенка не получить, ни прививки. Мне сказали обращаться в суд через посольство Кыргызстана, чтобы отменили решение по надзору, и только тогда мы ее сможем отправить на родину. Пока она в Доме мамы находится и ее статус в подвешенном состоянии: она и нелегал, так как не может получить РВП, но и легал, потому что находится под надзором, — рассказала Анна Козлова.

Как лечат заболевания у мигрантов в Казахстане

Проходить чек-апы (проверки) на те или иные заболевания — очень важная вещь. Другое дело, что не каждый мигрант готов или имеет возможность делать это на регулярной основе, особенно, если это касается проверки на ВИЧ.

В рамках специальной программы «Здоровье мигрантов», реализуемой частными общественными фондами, была поставлена цель: расширить модель профилактики ВИЧ-инфекции среди мигрантов.

В рамках проекта были охвачены почти две тысячи мигрантов, из них выявлено 85 случаев ВИЧ. Иными словами, 90% охваченных лиц имели ВИЧ-отрицательный статус, в то время как 10% были ВИЧ-положительными. Большинство мигрантов были из Таджикистана (25%), Узбекистана (22%) и Кыргызстана (17%), а также релоканты составили 30% от общего числа.

Ключевые группы составили 82% от общего числа охваченных, а не ключевые группы — 18%. Отмечено, что проект не проверял, были ли эти люди ранее на учете по ВИЧ у себя на родине, или они ранее не знали о своем статусе, либо получили его, находясь в Казахстане.

Как бы там ни было, результаты показали, что для сохранения здоровья мигрантов необходимо не только перекладывать ответственность на них самих, но и предпринимать меры с другой стороны.

Что доступно мигрантам с ВИЧ в Казахстане

Иностранцам с ВИЧ в Казахстане бесплатно АРВ-терапия по закону не положена, если они находятся в стране временно, так как она входит в гарантированный объем бесплатной медпомощи для граждан и кандасов. Однако, благодаря поддержке Глобального фонда и НПО, таким людям предоставляются препараты и консультации через специальные программы, как, например, ДКП (доконтактная профилактика), чтобы они могли получить лечение и продолжить терапию, иногда с помощью правовой поддержки.

27-летний мигрант из Таджикистана Самир узнал о своем ВИЧ-статусе, обратившись в проект «Здоровье мигрантов 2» в Казахстане. Он думал, что диагноз означает конец нормальной жизни, но консультанты-равные (люди, которые сами пережили заболевание) помогли ему понять, что ВИЧ лечится и что Н=Н: при терапии вирус не передается.

Из-за того, что иностранцы в Казахстане не могут получать АРВ-терапию, команда проекта поставила Самира на дистанционный учет в СПИД-центр Таджикистана: анализы он сдал в Казахстане, консультации получил онлайн, а лекарства приехали туда, где он работал.

Когда выяснилось, что дома у него беременная жена, проект помог провести тестирование, сохранив конфиденциальность, тест оказался отрицательным.

Через три месяца лечения вирусная нагрузка Самира стала неопределяемой. Он сохранил здоровье и защитил свою семью.

— Почему лечение ВИЧ важно для всех? Во-первых, контроль заболевания. ВИЧ сегодня хорошо контролируется: человек, который получает лечение, живет обычной жизнью. Во-вторых, необходимо добиться нулевой передачи. Современная терапия снижает количество вируса крови до нуля. Это значит: здоровье человека ВИЧ не ухудшается, человек не передает ВИЧ другим. Также важна остановка эпидемии. Когда все люди, живущие с ВИЧ — и местные жители, и мигранты, и релоканты, получают лечение, эпидемия замедляется и останавливается. Обеспечение лечения мигрантов — это не только вопрос гуманности, но и эффективная мера общественного здоровья, — рассказала специалист по адвокации в Казахстанском союзе людей, живущих с ВИЧ Оксана Ибрагимова.

Она убеждена, что лечение ВИЧ, как и других заболеваний у мигрантов, защищает общество, так как мигранты — часть общества, они работают, учатся, создают семьи. Их здоровье напрямую влияет на здоровье местных сообществ.

А вот ограничения и депортация ВИЧ-положительных мигрантов, по ее словам, не останавливают эпидемию: люди продолжают перемещаться, а отсутствие лечения — главный фактор распространения ВИЧ.

Кроме того, запретительные меры создают страх и приводят к тому, что люди избегают тестирования и помощи, что увеличивает число невыявленных случаев. Наиболее эффективный подход — обеспечить доступ к лечению: человек на терапии не передает вирус, а значит, это самый действенный способ защитить общественное здоровье.

Благодаря условиям, которые создает государства, и деятельности общественников мигранты с ВИЧ-положительным статусом в Казахстане могут не просто пройти консультацию о доступе к лечению в Казахстане, но и направление для обследований в СПИД Центр за счет общественных фондов, а также помощь в получении терапии (с родины, за счет квоты ГФСТМ, выдачи из аптечки взаимопомощи), поддержку в формате «равный-равному» для начала лечения и поддержания приверженности

Что еще могут вылечить мигранты в Казахстане

Если мигрант находится в Казахстане легально, то есть, имея РВП или ВНЖ, он имеет право на медпомощь в рамках медицинского страхования при наличии отчислений.

Если же иностранец находится легально, но не работает, то в случае заболевания ему предложат два вариант: уехать долечиваться домой или лечиться в Казахстане платно.

— У меня был случай с девушкой из Афганистана, она здесь с мужем проживала легально — он работал, а у нее было РВП как воссоединение с семьей, но не было отчислений, так как она здесь не работала. Однажды у нее нашли туберкулез, положили в больницу. Открытую форму по ГОБМП купировали и потом должны либо на родину отправить долечиваться, либо платно здесь. И ее хотели отправить в Афганистан, но с нашей помощью нам удалось добиться разрешения остаться, муж ей оплачивал лечение, — пояснила Козлова.

Здоровье детей мигрантов в Казахстане

Дети мигрантов также как и взрослые сталкиваются с определенными ограничениями.

Например, если ребенку мигранта нужно получить прививку, приходится обращаться в частные медцентры в случае нелегального или полулегального пребывания его родителей в Казахстане. Такая же проблема и с получением ими образования.

— Где-то врачи идут на уступки, смотрят этих деток. Педагоги идут на уступки в школах, потому что понятно, что дети болтаются, и берут их на обучение, там придумывают как-то. Но если мигранты находятся нелегально, то по закону их дети тоже ни на что не могут рассчитывать, — заключила Анна Козлова.

Как мы видим, если иностранец приезжает в Казахстан, живет и работает здесь легально, то перед ним открываются хорошие возможности по социальному обеспечению, включая контроль за здоровьем.

А вот в случае с нелегальным статусом ситуация осложняется, и только при поддержке грамотных консультантов и в тесном контакте с уполномоченными государственными органами возможно решить проблемы индивидуально.

Сохранение здоровья всех, кто находится в Казахстане — не просто имиджевая задача, но и прямой вклад в эпидемическое благополучие и защиту здоровья общества, считают эксперты.

Напомним, новые Правила регистрации иммигрантов в Казахстане вводятся с 1 июля 2026 года.

South Africa: Immigrants report extortion for access to life-saving medication at Gauteng clinics

Immigrants say they are being charged for ARVs, chronic medication and baby immunisations at some Gauteng clinics

Immigrants say clinic staff at Spartan, Jeppe and Yeoville clinics in Gauteng are extorting money from them by charging them for antiretrovirals (ARVs), other chronic medicines and baby immunisations.
The going rate for a three-month supply of ARVs appears to be R300.
The National Department of Health says it is unaware of this but condemns it and requests that anyone with evidence contact the department or law enforcement.

Last week, the Gauteng High Court ordered the government and police to take firm action against “xenophobic vigilantes” blocking immigrants from accessing health services at clinics. This came after months of reportsthat vigilantes were screening out immigrants at Johannesburg clinics. In November, the high court interdicted Operation Dudula from demanding to see IDs of members of the public.

We have subsequently heard from immigrants that clinic and security staff, sometimes in cahoots with Operation Dudula members, are extorting money from them in return for access to state health services.

At some clinics, immigrants are admitted but then never served, or they are told that there is no stock of the medicines they require. The desperate patients are then open to extortion. This takes the form of clandestinely selling them ARVs and chronic medicines.

GroundUp went to various clinics in Gauteng and was told of extortion at all the hotspots where Operation Dudula has been blocking immigrants from healthcare.

Spartan clinic

We received a tip-off that some staff at Spartan clinic are secretly sharing their WhatsApp numbers with immigrants desperate to access healthcare. The staff then offer ARVs, other chronic medicine, baby immunisations, prenatal care for pregnant mothers, and other services for various fees. Those who agree to pay are admitted to the clinic by special appointment.

To protect our sources, we will not be naming patients.

Q, a patient at Spartan since 2019, would collect her ARVs from Spartan clinic every three months. But since October, because she is an immigrant, she has been chased away at the gate.

A fellow immigrant then gave her the WhatsApp number of a nurse, who told her she could get her ARVs if she paid.

“I was desperate and feeling sick from spending weeks without my medications,” says Q.

She made an appointment and was ushered in by the nurse. It surprised her that the same security guards and Operation Dudula members who had previously chased her away, did not stop her this time.

Inside, she paid R200 for a month’s supply of ARVs. She was told it would cost her much more at a private pharmacy.

“The money I earn as a food vendor is very little. My life is now in danger because I need to take my ARVs to survive,” says Q.

K, also an immigrant, shared screenshots of a conversation she had with a staff member at the clinic. ARVs are quoted at R200 for one month and R300 for three months supply. Diabetes medication was offered for R200.

GroundUp also received this price list after we messaged the clinic staff member.

“As immigrants we feel vulnerable, because clinic staff and Operation Dudula members are now taking advantage of our desperate need for chronic medication to make money. They should be stopped,” said K, who has been struggling to collect her ARVs for months.

Jeppe Clinic

When we visited Jeppe clinic last week there was a long queue. It included a few immigrants who had returned after being chased away previously.

P, an immigrant, said she had managed to get inside on Monday and Tuesday last week for the first time since August, but she left empty-handed, with the staff not willing to serve her.

P then bought ARVs for R300 from a woman who has connections with the clinic staff.

This woman, M, says she is helping fellow immigrants who are struggling to get their medication from clinics. We met her with bottles of ARVs in her backpack. She was delivering them to her “clients” in one of Johannesburg’s “dark buildings”.

M has chronic high blood pressure. Previously, she was also chased away from Jeppe clinic by members of Operation Dudula. Then a staff member gave her WhatsApp number and asked her to find other immigrants who need chronic medication.

M says she buys ARVs, PreP pills, diabetes and blood pressure medication from the clinic. The staff member gives her R50 kickback on every R300.

Yeoville clinic

At Yeoville clinic, immigrants told us Operation Dudula and clinic staff now allow them entry if they have valid permits and asylum documents. Meanwhile undocumented immigrants are turned away. Security guards confirmed this to GroundUp.

Z, who sells airtime on the street, has a Malawian passport that has expired. She says she was chased away from the clinic. She said her Zimbabwean neighbour paid R150 to a staff member to have her baby immunised at the clinic. We did not speak to the neighbour.

Ethel Musonza, from an organisation called Zimbabwe Isolated Women in South Africa, said a number of immigrants had contacted them, claiming chronic medication has to be bought from clinic staff at Jeppe, Yeoville and Rosettenville clinics.

“Many people have defaulted on their HIV and AIDS treatment, and some people who were on PreP can no longer access it,” Musonza said. She called for urgent intervention from law enforcement and the Department of Health.

“For us to act, we need information,” says governmentThe Gauteng health department did not respond to our requests for comment.

But spokesperson for the national health department, Foster Mohale, said the department is not aware of any extortion.

“If this is true, it is unlawful, and we condemn it with the strongest terms it deserves,” said Mohale.

“We request anyone with evidence to share it with the department or law enforcement agencies so they can swiftly investigate.”

He said none of the clinics we visited had reported a shortage of any medications.

“⁠The department treats these allegations seriously, but for us to act, we need information,” he said.

South Africa: Asylum seeker in Durban denied medication due to anti-migrant clinic blockades

Anti-migrant groups force asylum seeker with HIV and TB off medication

Ali Burundi,a 58-year-old living in Durban, is facing a life-threatening struggle. Living with both TB and HIV, he’s received his medication consistently from Gateway Clinic at Addington Hospital since 2019.

But for the past two months, he has been unable to access treatment due to blockades by a group known as March-and-March, a collective that describes itself as a “citizen-led movement tackling illegal immigration’s impact on SA”.

“I’ve always been able to go to the clinic and get my medicine. Now, since Dudula started, there’s no more medicine. Every time I go to the clinic, they fight me, and I run away,” says Burundi, referring to Operation Dudula – another anti-migrant group that has also been denying international migrants access to government health facilities.

Originally from Burundi, Ali has lived in South Africa for 20 years as an asylum seeker. He works as a barber, cutting hair for a living, which means he interacts closely with many people every day.

“It’s harder for me to work because I’m afraid I could infect someone with TB, but I have to work to eat,” he says. “It’s even harder when you are a foreigner in South Africa. I have legal papers, and I was granted asylum, yet I am still being denied access to my medication. That puts me and everyone around me at risk.”

Sharing ARVS

Seeing his desperate situation, one neighbour took pity on Burundi and decided to share her HIV medication with him.

“It broke my heart to hear him cry because he couldn’t get his treatment, as we know how important the medication is,” says the 69-year-old woman who asked not to be named. She explains that she had received a three-month supply of antiretroviral drugs.

“I lost one of my children to HIV years ago, so it brought back painful memories, which is why I cannot let him suffer like that. I pray the government can resolve this soon.”