Toward Zero New HIV Infections in Amsterdam in 2026: Building Bridges Between Community Organizations, Undocumented...

In the 4 largest cities in the Netherlands, an estimated 400 people live with undiagnosed HIV, including 170 in Amsterdam. Amsterdam targets having zero new HIV infections in 2026. Undocumented migrants are disproportionately affected by HIV and often contract HIV after migration. Moreover, they often experience difficulties accessing health care. The aim of this study was to analyze the outcomes of an HIV/sexually transmitted infection testing program for undocumented migrants through community based testing.

Between May 2021 and January 2022, data for this cross-sectional study were collected during outreach testing activities of the Amsterdam Center for Sexual Health of the Public Health Service, and the NGO Doctors of the World. Activities were organized in collaboration with migrant partner organizations. Participants were tested free-of-charge for HIV, syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia, and, if indicated, hepatitis B and C. Before testing, a health care provider-administered questionnaire was filled out.

A total of 126 people from 22 countries were tested for HIV during 28 outreach activities. Mean age was 37 (IQR 32-43). Forty-nine people (39%) were additionally tested, (through self-sampling) for chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis, 42 (33%) for Hepatitis B and 14 (11%) for Hepatitis C. We found zero new HIV infections and 5 positive chlamydia cases.Reaching 52 HIV first time testers and 19 first time testers since migration shows the importance of these activities. The number of participants tested were lower than initially expected due to lower attendance per testing day for various reasons.

To increase the likelihood of reaching undocumented migrants for HIV/sexually transmitted infection testing and linkage to care, focus should be on on-site provider-initiated testing, e.g. during outreach health care activities, and on easy access to centers for sexual health. Collaboration between health care providers and community stakeholders is essential.