HIV immigration in Portugal: A historical analysis of the last decade

Abstract

Portugal faces one of the highest incidences of HIV infection in Western Europe, although it has seen a gradual reduction in the number of new cases in recent decades, from 1941 in 2007 to 1220 in 2014. This study conducted a historical analysis of HIV immigration in Portugal over the past decade, highlighting the role of immigrants, especially from sub-Saharan Africa, who account for 17% of new cases reported. Using a bibliographic research based on scientific articles, book chapters and documents from the Ministry of Health, the study reveals a transition in the management of drug addiction from a repressive model to a more comprehensive and public health approach, which began at the beginning of the millennium. Despite the overall downward trend in new cases, the research highlights that 31% of new patients had a CD4+ lymphocyte count of less than 200 cells/μL at diagnosis, indicating late diagnosis and possible lack of access to adequate care. The study points out that the immigrant population faces significant challenges related to social isolation, precarious living conditions and stigmatization, factors that aggravate the risk of infection and hinder access to health services. The need for public health strategies aimed at education, prevention, and social inclusion is emphasized, with a special focus on the young population and the training of health care providers to deal with multiculturalism.