Abstract #2708  -  Increasing Voluntary HIV Testing among African-born Immigrants: Challenges and opportunities for the Irish Health Service
Authors:   Presenting Author:   Dr. Adebola Adedimeji - Albert Einstein College of Medicine
Additional Authors:
Aim: In 2012, 63% of new infections with HIV in Ireland were among sub-Sahara African immigrants- evidence of late presentation and diagnosis. Current HIV-testing and prevention strategies are ineffective because they are insensitive to the needs of immigrants.
Method / Issue: Using qualitative data we explored HIV-testing challenges confronting immigrants and assesses opportunities for developing effective interventions within the Irish Health System.
Results / Comments: Among others, systemic barriers to accessing/utilizing HIV-testing services, cultural/contextual and socioeconomic factors were identified as needing urgent intervention.
Discussion: Immigrants in Ireland, including those from Africa encounter a variety of structural, cultural and personal constraints to HIV-testing and linkage to healthcare. Effective interventions to increase uptake in voluntary and routine HIV-testing and prevention must address systemic barriers and cultural sensitivity of immigrant groups to HIV/AIDS both in content and context of implementation.
Go Back

Please note: This is a draft only. Not all details are shown. The details shown here are not final