Access to HIV Services for Mobile and Migrant Populations in Antigua

marginalized groups which includes men who have sex with men, sex workers,
prisoners, persons from the migrant population, etc. Funding in the past has also been
provided by CVC and COIN. The group is run by an executive who meets once
monthly and their main objective is to provide education and enhance access to health
care, as well as treatment, care and support. They also have as a goal to work with
members of the LGBT community to build leadership skills and promote
empowerment. The project is currently awaiting funds from a grant awarded by
AMFAR.
Migrant Access to Healthcare in Antigua
Generally speaking, health care in Antigua is subsidized for Antiguans or persons holding a
medical benefit card. For Antiguans over 60 and children 16 and under, it is free. Migrants
without a Medical benefit card must pay for services and seeing that they are often holders of
temporary status or undocumented, in many instances they earn lower than average wages as
they are not in a position to seek high paying jobs or to advocate for themselves. For this reason,
many do not access certain health care (ECLAC Document). There is also a stigma to being a
non-national in Antigua (accentuated for non-English speaking migrants), so persons often wait
until they return home to see a physician.
All services provided by the AIDS Secretariat are made available to the general public without
pre-condition. Some of the programs offered are also specifically geared towards migrant
populations; for example, screenings in areas that are traditionally known to have a high migrant
population, so the services are there for them to access.
Where younger migrants are concerned, it is currently being debated whether condoms would be
distributed in the local schools. Some suggest that it will encourage sexual activity as providing
protection may be seen as condoning the activity among the young. While others are of the view
that since sexual activity will occur among the young we should provide them with the tools and
education necessary to protect themselves.
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