HIV/AIDs

HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is a virus that attacks the immune system. Without treatment, HIV can progress to AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome), the most advanced stage of HIV. AIDS occurs when the immune system becomes too weak to protect the body from serious illnesses.

HIV is manageable with antiretroviral therapy (ART). ART helps people with HIV achieve an undetectable viral load – to stay healthy, live long lives, and prevent HIV from passing to partners. Regular testing and early treatment are key to managing HIV.   Early diagnosis and treatment also help ensure access to crucial resources, support services, and legal protections for individuals living with HIV/AIDS.

HIV is preventable, not only with condom use, but also with pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) -- pills or a shot that don’t allow HIV to infect an individual before or immediately after possible exposure. 

People who are moving for work or for a better life across the United States face unique challenges that increase their risk for exposure to HIV and make managing the virus more difficult. Farmworkers, for example, often encounter barriers such as lack of health care access, stigma, and frequent relocation.
 

1. Limited Health Care Access:
   • People may lack health insurance or face challenges accessing affordable health care. 
      
2. Stigma and Cultural Barriers:
   • In some communities, stigma around HIV and sexual health can discourage people from getting tested or treated. Fear of judgment can lead individuals to ignore symptoms, avoid preventative care, or even avoid talking with a clinician about relationships. 
      
3. Frequent Relocation:
   • People who move seasonally to follow work, like farmworkers, often lose contact with health care providers. This disrupts HIV treatment and care, which requires consistent medical attention.
      
4. Language Barriers:
   • Limited English proficiency can make it difficult for some patients to communicate with health care providers or understand health information.
      
5. Economic Challenges:
   • Many farmworkers earn very low wages. Health care may seem unaffordable, especially when competing with other basic needs like housing and food.
      
6. Clinical Barriers:
   • Clinicians may be uncomfortable asking patients about their sexual practices or may not recommend testing due to assumptions about the patient related to gender, age, marital status, or other reasons. 

Farmworkers: A Vulnerable Population

There are approximately 2.4 million farmworkers in the US. Most are foreign born and many move regularly with the seasons. Many of these workers live in rural areas with limited health care facilities. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC),  farmworkers are often underserved in HIV prevention and care efforts, increasing the risk of infection and complications.

HIV Statistics among Farmworkers:

While we have limited data on farmworkers and HIV, we can look at larger population trends as a proxy.

• Foreign-born people make up about 14.3% of the US population, yet they may face higher rates of HIV compared to US-born groups. Hispanic males had an HIV infection diagnosis rate per 100,000 population of 40.8, much higher than the non-Hispanic rate of 8.7. 
   
• Hispanic individuals represented 31% of new HIV diagnoses in the US in 2022, even though they only account for about 19% of the population.
   
• HIV prevalence among farmworkers is estimated to be 10 times higher than the national average, according to a study conducted in the late 1990s. This statistic is expected to remain relevant in the current day given continued poor agricultural labor conditions for farmworkers.

Resources for People Living with HIV

Farmworkers and other people who must move while needing treatment have access to several programs and organizations that can help them manage HIV.
 

1. Free or Low-Cost HIV Testing:
   • Many local clinics and public health departments provide confidential HIV testing at little or no cost. Visit Get Tested to find a nearby clinic.
      
2. Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program:
   • This federal program provides free or low-cost care to people living with HIV, including doctor visits, medicine, and support services. Immigration status does not affect eligibility. For clinical consults on treatment and prevention as well as patient resources, check National Clinician Consultation Center.
      
3. Migrant Clinicians Network (MCN):
   • MCN is dedicated to helping people who have to move get consistent health care. Health Network connects individuals to doctors and clinics across the US, ensuring they can stay on treatment even when they move. Learn more on the Health Network page. 
      
4. Community Organizations:
   • Groups like the Latino Commission on AIDS and the National Minority AIDS Council offer tailored support, providing education, peer support groups, and connections to health care.
      
5. Farmworker-Specific Programs:
   • Some organizations, such as the National Center for Farmworker Health, focus on improving the health of farmworkers, including providing HIV resources.
      
6. Hotlines for Assistance:
   • The CDC offers a free, confidential hotline for questions about HIV: 1-800-CDC-INFO (1-800-232-4636)