The impact of inequalities on health perceptions among Latin Americans in Geneva

• In Event: Social inequalities and health: a case for social justice with a focus on Chagas disease

Abstract

This presentation will focus on the impact of work-motivated migration on health perceptions among illegal Latin Americans in Geneva. Of the 76,000 (known) illegal migrants in Switzerland, 43% are from Latin America. An estimated 13.000 undocumented migrants are estimated to be in Geneva and work mostly in private households (53%). Many of these migrants face exploitative working conditions and have weak social support networks, as their families are in their home country. Work-motivated migration means that people place a disproportionate emphasis on the value of employment to the point of overturning all other elements important to ensure health and wellbeing. Research was conducted in collaboration with the Geneva University Hospital and the patient’s association to understand health perceptions of Latin Americans in these particular migratory conditions with the aim of encouraging the reprioritization of health in Chagas patients’ self-perceptions.
In the context of extreme disenfranchisement health problems can only be addressed by the public health system if they are approached through a holistic lens, taking into consideration not only the medical factors influencing a Chagas patient, but more importantly, the socio-cultural and political issues that shape their lives.

Author

• Marina Gold, Bergen University