Access to HIV Services for Mobile and Migrant Populations in Antigua

Type of facility frequented for treatments
For treatment when ill, 57% of participants go to private facilities. The participants have
a wealth of confidence in the private physicians having spoken of their efficiency,
experience and they are also of the opinion that they are more confidential that are the
public facilities.
However most of the English speaking SW mentioned during the FGD that they have
never been to any doctors in Antigua as they could not afford the EC$150.00 cost and
they preferred to wait until they went back home on vacation where they would be able to
get free or cheaper medical care. When asked about MSJMC, they all said they had no
interest in going there, unless it was an emergency.
On their side the Spanish-speaking group discussion reported that most of the Dominican
girls go to Dr. Nagabis Sanchez, a physician who they find to be very committed and who
responds very positively to their needs. Previously, they often visited a Cuban doctor but
he is no longer on island.
Referral of HIV+ peer
49% of the participants would refer someone to the NAP for support, if they were tested
HIV positive. Second was the Mount St. John Medical Center at 28%. The Englishspeaking
FDG would like that free medications are provided to all residents who are HIV
positive.
Misconceptions
Some 79.8% of the participants disagreed with the statement which says that one can
become infected with HIV if they share a meal with someone who is infected and 88.5%
agree that a healthy-looking person can have HIV thus safer practices might be adopted.
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