HIV+ Asylum Seekers' Hardship

posted: 09/02/2009

A leading charity has said the government is not doing enough to help asylum seekers who are living with HIV or AIDS. Crusaid, the charity making grants to people living with HIV in need, revealed that 55% wait more than four years for a Home Office decision on their right to remain. During this time, many of them will lack the basic facilities to maintain their health.
 

The figures were released at Crusaid's second HIV and Poverty conference last week.
Speaking at the conference Neil Gerrard MP, Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary group on Refugees, said:
"I think it is really striking - the change over the years of the number of people who are coming to the Crusaid Hardship Fund who are also in the immigration system. This degree of poverty is astounding. Fifty five percent is a shocking percentage and included in that would be people who even according to the regulations as tough as they are, should be getting health care."
 

Crusaid said that living in uncertainty and with a new diagnosis, asylum seekers face serious health deterioration but don't have enough money to pay for the necessities that would keep them fit.
 

"I’m afraid, sadly that there is evidence that people who suffer from stigma and discrimination do experience it from healthcare professionals," said Mr Gerrard. "We are told that this doesn’t happen, but there is evidence that it does. It’s a general problem and it’s not fair to say that it’s out there in the public and the health system is fine, I’m afraid that’s just not the case. There’s a real need for education for people working in healthcare."
 

The Crusaid Hardship Fund supports some of the most vulnerable people in the UK today living with HIV and AIDS, many of whom have no recourse to any public funds, or the right to work and earn a living.

George House Trust makes applications to Crusaid on behalf of people living with HIV in the NW of England and then makes any payments decided by Crusaid. It works well for people living with HIV and for Crusaid. All applications to Crusaid Hardship Fund need to have the support of a professional social worker assessment. George House Trust provides this and deals with all the paperwork. 

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