Expected differential impact of migration on communicable diseases across the EU

Two major factors that will affect the pattern of infectious diseases in European countries over the coming decade are the intensifying HIV pandemic (1) and the substantial changes in migration from Sub-Saharan Africa (2). Although migrants and asylum seekers tend to have a better health profile than the rest of the population in their country of origin, their prevalence of current HIV infections and past Tuberculosis and hepatitis B infections will pose a challenge to the prevention and health care systems of host countries. Examination of the latest migration statistics illustrates the differential impact that can be expected between the various countries of the EU.