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Over 50% of migrant HIV cases in Switzerland occur post-migration – Study 

More than half of all new HIV diagnoses among migrants in Switzerland occur years after they have relocated, according to findings presented at the 2025 European AIDS Clinical Society (EACS) Congress.

The study, which analyzed data from the Swiss HIV Cohort Study (SHCS) over a 15-year period, highlights shifting infection trends and the urgent need for more targeted HIV prevention and early testing strategies for migrant populations.

The SHCS tracked 3,490 participants enrolled between 2010 and 2024, excluding those with perinatal HIV infections. Of these, 1,777 were Swiss nationals and 1,713 were migrants.

Over time, the proportion of migrants joining the cohort increased steadily, with a median of 52% and an odds ratio of 1.07 per year (p<0.001). This reflects not only changing population dynamics in Switzerland but also the growing health importance of migrant communities.

Among migrants, 62.1% were diagnosed with HIV after migration, while 37.9% received their diagnosis before arriving in Switzerland.

Researchers say distinguishing between infections acquired in Switzerland and delayed diagnoses of pre-existing infections is essential for improving testing and prevention strategies among migrant populations.

Beyond individual health implications, delayed diagnosis carries broader public health consequences. People unaware of their HIV status are less likely to access treatment early, increasing the risk of onward transmission. According to experts, the findings reinforce the need for inclusive, culturally sensitive public health strategies that bridge healthcare gaps among migrants.

Experts note that these findings mirror trends seen across Europe, where migrants from sub-Saharan Africa and other non-EU regions are disproportionately affected by late HIV diagnoses. Barriers such as language differences, stigma, and limited healthcare access often delay testing and treatment.

Africans represent a significant portion of the migrant HIV population in Europe.