CDC Division of Global HIV & TB country profile : Peru

The Venezuelan internal crisis has triggered one of the most significant mass migrations in the history of the Western Hemisphere. HIV prevalence among migrants and refugees in the region is significantly higher than the host country population due to limited access to healthcare services, including HIV testing and treatment, as well as social and economic factors such as poverty, discrimination, and violence. These structural vulnerabilities are intensified by their status as migrants, asylum seekers, refugees, or internally displaced persons.Addressing the HIV epidemic among migrant communities, including key populations, in South America requires strategies that consider the unique challenges faced by this population, including violence, stigma, language barriers, and lack of access to host country healthcare services. Improving access to HIV prevention and treatment services for migrants is crucial for reducing the spread of HIV and improving overall health outcomes in the region.In partnership with governments, civil society, and other key stakeholders, CDC prioritizes interventions that directly impact the quality of services for migrant people living with HIV (PLHIV) and key populations at elevated risk of infection. CDC supports the scale-up of evidence-based programs to bridge service delivery gaps around HIV prevention, active case findings, early antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation, optimized treatment services, and achievement of viral load suppression with a targeted approach to strengthen systems essential to HIV epidemic control while supporting integration of Venezuelan migrants with HIV into national health services.peru.pd