Continuity of Care for HIV Infected Migrant Patients

Migration between countries is a dynamic and evolutionary process surrounded by physical, social and political challenges. Healthcare challenges such as transmissible diseases and access to care for those who immigrate and those who emigrate. HIV infection has been characterized by its rapid dissemination around the world. Migrant populations have been particularly susceptible to acquire HIV due to a myriad of economic, sociologic and bio-psychological factors. Furthermore, despite of physical and socio-political barriers, the flow of migration seem to be a bi-directional, continuous process with people establishing themselves along the geographical borders and beyond, and also moving in and out of their systems of care either in their country of origin or that in which they migrate. Various studies have defined population migration paths, particularly for Mexico and the United States. Migrant populations are considered at higher risk for HIV infection. Similar bi-national programs have been implemented for continuity of care for tuberculosis in migrants. Interruptions in anti-retroviral treatment not only carries increased risk for the development of resistant strains, but also is related to increased risk of opportunistic infections and increased morbidity and mortality from both AIDS related and non-AIDS related causes as demonstrated in recent studies. We developed a pilot project to assist migrant patients with information in how to access the healthcare system in Mexico and when possible provide specific documentation and assistance with accessing HIV specific healthcare facilities in the community they establish themselves in both countries.