Migrant women’s experiences of HIV prevention and care in Europe: a qualitative evidence synthesis

Abstract

Background

HIV remains a global challenge, with migrant women disproportionately affected bearing high HIV prevalence and poor outcomes, including reduced care continuity and higher progression to AIDS. Yet, gender-specific HIV-research remains limited. Therefore, this qualitative evidence synthesis (QES) aims to explore how migrant women in the European Union/European Economic Area and the United Kingdom experience HIV care, and what challenges they encounter.

Method

A QES was conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidance. A systematic search of MEDLINE, Embase, Global Health and Web of Science Core Collection was conducted in June 2025, identifying studies published between January 2015 and June 2025, and focusing on the HIV care continuum, including prevention. The findings were interpreted using intersectionality framework.

Results

Twelve studies met the inclusion criteria, predominantly involving African women living in Western Europe. Three analytical themes were formulated focusing on perceptions of HIV risk and prevention practices; navigation of HIV care in receiving countries; and navigation of stigma, relationships and wellbeing. Stigma was established as a central challenge shaping how women perceived their own risk, engaged with the HIV care, and experienced life after diagnosis. Stigma intersected with power imbalances, legal status, sociocultural contexts, and financial insecurities leading to diverse HIV-related practices.

Conclusion

Migrant women's HIV experiences are shaped by intersecting inequities, such as gender, stigma, ethnicity, legal status, and socioeconomic insecurity. Gender-specific, culturally responsive programmes addressing stigma across care stages, including breastfeeding support, are needed. Evidence gaps around retention in care and viral suppression remain, warranting further research.