Vo
lu
m
e
5,
M
ay
,2
02
5
,
M
ED
IC
AL
SC
IE
N
CE
S.
IM
PA
CT
FA
CT
OR
:7
,8
9
HIV INFECTION RATES AMONG LABOR MIGRANTS: SECTOR ANALYSIS
AND STATISTICS
Komilov Zafarbek Mirzaolimovich
Cenrtal Asian Medical University
Annotation:
This article highlights health issues arising during labor migration, specifically
cases of HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) infection. It provides statistical data
indicating that in 2024, out of more than 68,000 migrants who returned to Fergana region
after working abroad, 34,793 underwent laboratory testing, among whom 55 were diagnosed
with HIV.
Analyses show that the majority of those infected are men, primarily workers aged 20–49.
The main route of virus transmission was through sexual contact. The article also examines
in detail the occupations with a high risk of HIV transmission, the countries where migrants
worked, the spread of infection by region, and the results of testing among partners.
At the conclusion, recommendations are made to strengthen HIV prevention, testing,
education and awareness-raising efforts, as well as to enhance international cooperation.
These measures are emphasized as crucial for protecting the health of labor migrants.
Keywords:
labor migration, HIV infection, migrant health, Fergana region, laboratory
testing, infectious diseases, sexual transmission, epidemiological analysis, healthcare,
prevention, HIV among youth, sexual partners, migration statistics, working abroad, testing,
health policy, risk factors, labor activity, international cooperation, medical assistance.
Relevance of the Topic:
In today's era of globalization, labor migration has become an
integral part of socio-economic development for many countries, including Uzbekistan.
Through external labor migration, citizens expand their economic opportunities but also face
health and social protection challenges. Particularly, the detection of HIV infection among
labor migrants and the risk of its transmission remain pressing public health issues.
HIV affects not only healthcare but also demographic stability, family environment,
economic activity, and social stability directly. Therefore, in-depth analysis of the causes of
HIV spread among labor migrants, their age-gender composition, geographic factors, and
modes of transmission is of great importance for shaping state policy.
Early detection of HIV cases among migrants, effective testing, strengthening awareness and
educational campaigns, and developing international cooperation are crucial stages in
building a healthy society. Thus, studying this topic is highly relevant both practically and
from a scientific-theoretical perspective.
Research methodology:
In this study, descriptive-statistical and epidemiological analysis methods were applied to
investigate the spread of HIV infection among labor migrants.
Vo
lu
m
e
5,
M
ay
,2
02
5
,
M
ED
IC
AL
SC
IE
N
CE
S.
IM
PA
CT
FA
CT
OR
:7
,8
9
The primary sources included official statistical data on HIV infections in the Fergana
region for 2023–2024, laboratory test results, and information collected by healthcare
organizations and epidemiological services.
The following methods were used during the research:
Statistical Analysis:
The number of HIV-infected migrants was analyzed by
grouping according to age, gender, place of residence, and types of labor activities
performed abroad.
Comparative Analysis:
Indicators for 2023 and 2024 were compared to identify
dynamic changes in the infection spread.
Regional Analysis:
The distribution of HIV cases across different districts of the
region was characterized.
Epidemiological Survey Data:
An epidemiological analysis was conducted
regarding transmission routes, cases related to sexual partners, and migration directions.
Based on the study results, recommendations were developed to improve the effectiveness
of preventive measures, identify challenges faced by the healthcare system, and combat the
spread of HIV infection among migrants.
Labor migration today has become an important part of the global economy. Many people
move from their home countries to other states in search of better jobs and living conditions.
However, labor migrants often work and live in difficult and challenging conditions, which
negatively affect their health.
The most common health problems during the migration process include:
1.
Infectious diseases
– These often spread due to poor sanitation and weak healthcare
systems in the migration areas. Viral infections such as tuberculosis, hepatitis, infectious
enteritis, and COVID-19 are widespread.
2.
Chronic diseases
– Labor migrants frequently suffer from chronic conditions such as
cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and hypertension due to stress, improper nutrition, and
insufficient medical care.
3.
Occupational diseases
– Working in harsh conditions (e.g., construction, industry,
agriculture) leads to various injuries, allergies, and respiratory diseases (bronchitis, asthma)
among migrants.
4.
Psychological problems
– Prolonged separation from family, unfamiliar
environments, and difficult work and living conditions increase the prevalence of depression,
stress, and other mental health disorders.
Therefore, integrating labor migrants into the healthcare system, improving their living and
working conditions, and facilitating access to medical care are of great importance for
countries.
Qatar:
The number of labor migrants exceeds 2.5 million (more than the local population).
The main countries of origin are India, Nepal, Bangladesh, and the Philippines. Types of
labor include construction (especially before the 2022 FIFA World Cup), services, and
industry.
Vo
lu
m
e
5,
M
ay
,2
02
5
,
M
ED
IC
AL
SC
IE
N
CE
S.
IM
PA
CT
FA
CT
OR
:7
,8
9
United States:
There are approximately 10-12 million legal and undocumented immigrants.
The main countries of origin are Mexico, El Salvador, Guatemala, India, and China. Types
of labor include agriculture, construction, services, IT, and other sectors.
Germany:
The number of labor migrants exceeds 15 million (from various countries). The
main countries of origin are Turkey, Poland, Italy, and Russia. Types of labor include
industry, construction, services, and healthcare.
Labor migration is currently a socio-economic issue of great importance in Uzbekistan.
Many citizens engage in labor activities abroad to improve their economic conditions.
However, health-related problems should not be overlooked in this process. Specifically, the
spread of HIV infection and its prevalence among migrants remain significant public health
challenges for the country.
Test Results and Comparison with the Previous Year:
In 2024, out of a total of 68,031
labor migrants in the region who returned after working abroad for more than three months,
34,793 (51.1%) underwent laboratory testing for HIV infection. This figure is 12,856 higher
than the 21,937 tested in 2023, indicating a significant increase in the number of tests
conducted.
In 2024, the number of labor migrants confirmed to have HIV infection was 55, which is 7
fewer than the 62 cases recorded in 2023. This decrease may also reflect the effectiveness of
prevention and testing processes.
At the same time, during epidemiological investigations, 70 other patients with confirmed
HIV infection were identified through different codes, with a likely transmission of the
infection occurring abroad. No cases of HIV infection among victims of human trafficking
were recorded.
Regional Distribution:
The distribution of labor migrants infected with HIV by region
shows that the disease is more prevalent in certain cities and districts of the region. The
highest number of cases was identified in Margilan city (15 cases), Uzbekistan and Quva
districts (11 cases each), and Fergana and Kokand cities (10 cases each). Additionally, cases
were recorded in Rishton (9 cases), Oltiariq (8 cases), Quvasoy city, Besharik, Qoshtapa,
and Fergana districts (7 cases each), Yazyavan (6 cases), Toshloq (5 cases), Bogdod,
Dangara, and Uchkoprik (3 cases each), Sokh (2 cases), and Buvayda (1 case).
Gender and Age Analysis:
Among the total 125 individuals diagnosed with HIV infection
related to labor migration, 99 are men and 26 are women. This indicates a higher prevalence
of infection among men. Furthermore, 124 individuals (99.2%) fall within the 20–49 age
range, representing the active working-age population and the most socially active group.
The age distribution is as follows:
20–24 years: 13 individuals (10.4%)
25–29 years: 32 individuals (25.6%)
30–34 years: 33 individuals (26.4%)
35–39 years: 29 individuals (23.2%)
40–49 years: 17 individuals (13.6%)
Vo
lu
m
e
5,
M
ay
,2
02
5
,
M
ED
IC
AL
SC
IE
N
CE
S.
IM
PA
CT
FA
CT
OR
:7
,8
9
50–59 years: 1 individual (0.8%)
These data indicate a high prevalence of HIV infection among young people, clearly
demonstrating the need to strengthen public health protection and preventive measures.
Modes of Transmission:
According to epidemiological investigations, out of a total of 125
cases, 119 (95.2%) were infected with HIV through sexual contact. In one case (0.8%), the
virus was transmitted through injection drug use. In the remaining 5 cases, the mode of
transmission was not identified.
These findings highlight the necessity to intensify prevention programs focused on sexually
transmitted infections.
Distribution by Type of Labor and Countries:
In 2024, the sectors in which migrants
diagnosed with HIV infection worked are as follows:
Worker: 47 individuals
Construction worker: 34 individuals
Craftsman: 18 individuals
Waiter: 13 individuals
Laborer: 5 individuals
Nanny: 4 individuals
Salesperson: 2 individuals
Driver: 2 individuals
By country:
Russia — 97 individuals
Kazakhstan — 12 individuals
Turkey — 11 individuals
UAE — 2 individuals
Europe — 1 individual
Kyrgyzstan — 1 individual
Vo
lu
m
e
5,
M
ay
,2
02
5
,
M
ED
IC
AL
SC
IE
N
CE
S.
IM
PA
CT
FA
CT
OR
:7
,8
9
These data indicate that labor migrants mostly work in Russia and neighboring countries,
where the likelihood of infection is higher.
Results of Sexual Partners’ Testing:
Among the 125 migrants identified this year, 79
sexual partners were tested, of whom 12 were found to be HIV-positive (IB+). The test
results of 67 partners were negative. The remaining 46 migrants did not have permanent
sexual partners, so testing was not possible.
Conclusion and Recommendations:
Although the number of HIV infection cases among
labor migrants slightly decreased in 2024, the prevalence remains high. The highest
infection rates are observed among young people and men, indicating the need to intensify
prevention and education efforts. The regional distribution analysis confirms that the disease
is more concentrated in certain areas.
Recommendations:
Expand testing and preventive measures among labor migrants;
Conduct awareness and educational campaigns about HIV and sexually transmitted
infections among youth;
Strengthen international cooperation and ensure migrants have access to healthcare
services abroad;
Implement measures focused on testing sexual partners and preventing the spread of
infections.
These measures will help protect migrant health and reduce the spread of HIV infection.
References:
1. O‘zbekiston Respublikasi Sog‘liqni saqlash vazirligi. (2024). OIV infeksiyasi bo‘yicha
respublika epidemiologik holati to‘g‘risida ma’lumotnoma. Toshkent.
2. O‘zbekiston Respublikasi Prezidenti huzuridagi Statistika agentligi. (2024). Mehnat
migratsiyasi bo‘yicha yillik hisobot.
3. Jahon sog‘liqni saqlash tashkiloti (JSST). (2023). Global HIV & AIDS statistics — Fact
sheyet.
4. International Organization for Migration (IOM). (2022). World Migration Report 2022.
Geneva: IOM Publications.
5. United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS). (2023). Global AIDS Update 2023:
The path that ends AIDS. Geneva: UNAIDS.
6. Jurayev, S. Sh. (2022). Migratsiya va jamiyat salomatligi: ijtimoiy-demografik tahlil.
Toshkent: “Iqtisodiyot” nashriyoti.
7. Bobojonov, A., va boshqalar. (2021). Infeksion kasalliklar epidemiologiyasi. Toshkent
tibbiyot akademiyasi.
8. Global Migration Data Analysis Cyentre (GMDAC). (2023). Migration and health:
understanding the risks and responses. Berlin: IOM-GMDAC.
