In a landmark move, the Peruvian Congress has approved a new law that extends temporary health insurance coverage to migrants diagnosed with HIV and tuberculosis (TB). This legislation allows non-resident foreigners to access healthcare services through the public health insurance system, known as SIS (Seguro Integral de Salud), while they complete their immigration processes.
The new law, which combines proposals from several bills (5253, 5554, and 7260), represents a significant step toward reducing barriers for migrant populations. It ensures that individuals affected by HIV or TB can receive essential healthcare services, including medical consultations and diagnostic tests, without needing official residency documentation.
This legislative progress follows more than two years of advocacy from Grupo Impulsor, a coalition that includes organizations such as UNAIDS, USAID’s Local Health System Sustainability Project (LHSS), the International Organization for Migration (IOM), the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), and various Peruvian health observatories and NGOs.
Timely treatment for migrants with HIV or TB not only improves their health outcomes but also reduces the risk of transmission, serving as a vital public health measure that benefits society as a whole. Additionally, it is cost-effective: providing early care can prevent advanced cases, which often put a strain on the healthcare system.
A recent cost-benefit analysis indicates that Peru could save approximately 5 million soles (about USD 1.33 million) annually by preventing new infections, with an additional 54 million soles (approximately USD 14.58 million) in productivity losses avoided due to AIDS and TB-related deaths.
Migrants living with HIV in Peru are among the most discriminated groups in the country, with a staggering 70.7% reporting experiences of stigma, according to the Ministry of Justice and Human Rights. They are also particularly vulnerable to xenophobia, violence, and exploitation, with nearly half reporting experiences of physical violence or sexual exploitation. Access to healthcare remains a major challenge, as only 2% of migrants with HIV currently have public health insurance, leaving many unable to afford necessary medical care.
“By extending health insurance to migrants, Peru is not only breaking down these barriers but also aligning with global commitments, such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which aim to eradicate epidemics like AIDS and TB by 2030,” said Luisa Cabal, UNAIDS Regional Director for Latin America and the Caribbean. “This legislative achievement marks a pivotal moment in health policy and sets a precedent for future reforms, promoting a more inclusive and equitable healthcare system for all.” Protecting the rights of every individual ultimately safeguards public health.