From barriers to solutions: a qualitative study of access to HIV and TB care for forced migrants from Ukraine.

BACKGROUND

This study investigates the barriers faced by individuals who fled Ukraine following the Russian invasion in accessing HIV, tuberculosis (TB), and opioid agonist treatment (OAT). It aims to understand how forced displacement intersects with healthcare access in the context of war, drawing on the frameworks of social determinants of health and transnationalism.

METHODS

The research is based on in-depth interviews conducted between 2023 and 2025 as part of an international community-based project spanning six countries. Empirical data were analyzed to identify systemic, regulatory, and linguistic challenges, with particular attention to how these factors influence healthcare practices among forcibly displaced individuals.

RESULTS

The findings show that, while in transit, refugees encounter major barriers to care, including interpreter shortages, treatment disruptions, and complex bureaucratic procedures. Community-based collaborations played a vital role in overcoming these barriers by facilitating access through advocacy, peer support, and informal system navigation. Applying the concept of cross-border patient mobility, the study highlights how individuals with intersecting vulnerabilities navigate war trauma, displacement, family separation, and social isolation.

CONCLUSIONS

The study underscores the importance of enhancing migrant-sensitive healthcare services and supporting grassroots initiatives. Addressing the healthcare needs of displaced populations requires recognizing and investing in community-driven solutions, particularly during ongoing crises and instability.