Impact of Covid-19 on the migrant population residing in Argentina in light of the difficulties that hinder their access to health

Abstract

This article has a dual purpose. First, to present the results of an exploratory study that investigates whether migrants were more affected than nationals by Covid-19 in Argentina. To do this, the behavior of indicators such as the level of tests, infections and deaths from Covid-19 among the native and migrant population is evaluated, based on unpublished data requested from the National Directorate of Epidemiology and Strategic Information of the Ministry of Health of the Nation, for the period of January 2020- May 2021. Second, this article seeks to approach an interpretive analysis of the possible causes that may have influenced the differential affectation found on the migrant population. To this end, and under the assumption that the migrant population is in a situation of structural disadvantage, we work with own processes of the National Migrant Survey of Argentina 2020, as well as with a vast set of complementary academic studies, presenting in a way comprehensive the direct and indirect difficulties faced by the migrant population to access the health system, a right unconditionally recognized in the law.

Keywords
Covid-19; migrant population; Argentina; health