High-prevalence countries
The nations defined as high-HIV-prevalence countries are very heterogeneous in terms of both their geography and culture. People with links to these countries neither view the high HIV prevalence as a common factor, nor share a common sexual culture. According to the WHO, a country is classed as a high-HIV-prevalence country when the disease’s prevalence among 15- to 45-year-olds in the general population is greater than 1%.
The HIV figures are low among those people with links to high-prevalence countries (HPCs) who reside in Switzerland. In terms of new infections, it is unclear where people with links to HPCs actually contract HIV – European and (sparsely available) Swiss data contradict each other in part. When it comes to prevention work, it is important to always take an intersectional approach. In Switzerland, a migration background is one of the key factors in increased vulnerability; however, additional factors such as sexism and racism also lead to precarious living situations. This area is also characterised by a generally high level of mobility among those affected – both within Switzerland as well as globally.
People from HPCs often have major challenges to overcome. HIV is therefore not a priority. Prevention work aimed at populations from specific countries of origin must take account of these lived realities and integrate them into projects. This requires a great degree of care and sensitivity in terms of messaging that doesn’t stigmatise the affected group. This applies, in particular, for ethnic-minority population groups.
The Swiss AIDS Federation supports sexual health centres in their awareness-raising, testing and consultancy work for people from HPCs. Support is given to projects featuring preventive outreach work (digital and analogue) and disseminating knowledge relating to sexual health. Particular emphasis is placed on breaking down the stigma surrounding HIV. Furthermore, we provide organisational and networking platforms as well as professional training for people involved in our member organisations for people with links to high-prevalence countries.