2024-11-22 18:09:00
In 2023, nearly 5,500 new people will be diagnosed with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in France. An estimate from Public Health France (SPF), after correction of the raw number of seropositivity discovered (3,877 cases), in order to take into account the under-reporting of cases.
“For several years, the number of new HIV contaminations has no longer declined in France, even though we have all the tools to prevent transmission,” lamented Professor Yazdan Yazdanpanah, director of the National Agency for Research on AIDS-Emerging Infectious Diseases (ANRS-MIE), during a press conference on November 21.
That same day, eleven new recommendations on HIV care were presented at the annual congress of the French Society for the Fight against AIDS, in Biarritz (Pyrénées-Atlantiques). The three co-authors, the ANRS-MIE, the High Authority for Health (HAS) and the National AIDS Council (CNS), notably scrutinized several key points: social determinants of infection; preventive treatments; diagnosis and monitoring of people living with HIV; HIV and pregnancy; adaptation of antiretroviral treatments…
43% of infections discovered at a late stage
Since 2012, the number of HIV discoveries has decreased by 10%. But if we except the year 2020, marked by a sharp drop linked to the Covid-19 pandemic, this number has stagnated since 2018 and has even rebounded since 2020. “ This increase particularly affects people born abroad. note the experts, particularly women infected through heterosexual intercourse and men who have sex with men (MSM).
Another concern, in 2023, 43% of HIV infections were discovered at a late stage (between 200 and 350 CD4 cells per cubic millimeter of blood), including 27% at an advanced stage (AIDS stage), with less than 200 CD4 cells. per cubic millimeter of blood. Between contamination and diagnosis, the median time was 1.9 years for all people discovering their HIV status, and three years for heterosexual men born abroad. This delay is a loss of individual opportunity. It also increases the risk of viral transmission, an undiagnosed and untreated person being able to contaminate their partners. Conversely, “if the virus is undetectable in the blood, it is untransmissible, relève Yazdan Yazdanpanah. Screening therefore remains the primary prevention tool. »
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**Interview with Professor Yazdan Yazdanpanah: Addressing HIV Rates in France**
**Editor:** Welcome, Professor Yazdanpanah, and thank you for joining us today. Recent reports indicate that nearly 5,500 new HIV diagnoses are expected in France for 2023, which includes a revision from 3,877 cases to account for under-reporting. Can you shed some light on what this means for public health in France?
**Professor Yazdanpanah:** Thank you for having me. Yes, it’s concerning that despite our advances in treatment and prevention, the number of new HIV infections in France has stagnated. This figure reflects not just new diagnoses but also highlights how critical it is to enhance our reporting systems and community outreach to ensure that individuals at risk are informed and tested regularly.
**Editor:** You noted that “the number of new HIV contaminations has no longer declined in France” despite the available tools. What do you believe are the reasons behind this plateau in new infections?
**Professor Yazdanpanah:** Several factors contribute to this situation. For one, stigma still surrounds HIV, which can prevent people from getting tested or seeking treatment. Additionally, socio-economic factors can affect access to healthcare. We must also consider that awareness campaigns need continuous revitalization to reach diverse communities effectively. The recent recommendations presented at the congress underline the need for targeted interventions in these areas.
**Editor:** Speaking of the recent congress, can you share some insights into the eleven new recommendations on HIV care that were discussed? What are the key strategies you believe will make a difference?
**Professor Yazdanpanah:** Absolutely. The new recommendations emphasize holistic care that goes beyond medical treatment. This includes improving social support structures for those living with HIV, ensuring that psychological health is also a priority. We are advocating for integrated services that encompass mental health, sexual health education, and regular community screenings. This multi-faceted approach is vital for reducing stigma and fostering an environment where individuals feel safe to seek help.
**Editor:** It sounds like a comprehensive strategy. Looking to the future, what are your hopes for HIV management and prevention in France?
**Professor Yazdanpanah:** My hope is that we can leverage science, policy, and community engagement to create a significant decrease in new infections. By implementing these new strategies and addressing the underlying social challenges, I believe we can start to reverse the trend. We owe it to those affected by HIV to ensure they have access to the supportive care they need and to prevent new infections in the first place.
**Editor:** Thank you, Professor Yazdanpanah, for your insights and commitment to tackling this ongoing public health challenge. It’s clear that while we face significant hurdles, there’s a pathway forward in fighting HIV in France.
**Professor Yazdanpanah:** Thank you for highlighting this crucial issue. Together, we can make a difference.