2024-11-22 18:09:00
Rapid HIV screening test, June 2018. CLAUDIO REYES / AFP
In 2023, nearly 5,500 new people will be diagnosed with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in France. This is 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 AIDS Research-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, etc.
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.
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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 on the State of HIV Diagnoses in France**
*Date: November 22, 2024*
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Professor Yazdanpanah. Recent reports indicate an unsettling trend regarding HIV diagnoses in France. In 2023, nearly 5,500 new cases are anticipated, despite having effective prevention tools. Can you elaborate on this issue?
**Professor Yazdanpanah:** Thank you for having me. Yes, it’s indeed concerning that the number of new HIV infections in France has stagnated in recent years. Despite advancements in treatment and prevention, we are not seeing a decline in diagnoses. This can partly be attributed to social determinants, stigma, and a lack of awareness among potential patients about testing and prevention options.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned social determinants. Could you explain what those entail and how they impact HIV transmission?
**Professor Yazdanpanah:** Social determinants of health include factors like socioeconomic status, education, and access to healthcare. For instance, marginalized communities may face higher barriers to accessing testing and treatment, leading to late diagnoses. Data from recent studies indicate that approximately 43% of infections are discovered at a late stage, which complicates treatment outcomes and increases transmission risks.
**Interviewer:** At the recent congress of the French Society for the Fight against AIDS, eleven new recommendations for HIV care were introduced. What are some key changes being proposed?
**Professor Yazdanpanah:** The recommendations focus on several areas: enhancing preventive treatments, improving diagnostic practices, and ensuring better monitoring for those living with HIV. They also address specific considerations such as HIV in pregnancy and adapting antiretroviral treatments to foster better health outcomes. These changes aim to not only treat existing infections but also prevent new ones from occurring.
**Interviewer:** Given these challenges, what steps can individuals take to protect themselves and get tested?
**Professor Yazdanpanah:** It is essential for individuals to be aware of their HIV status. We encourage everyone, particularly those at higher risk, to get tested regularly. There are many free or at-home testing options available, which help reduce the barriers to testing. Early detection is crucial for effective treatment and reducing transmission to others.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Professor Yazdanpanah. It’s clear that while we have effective tools to combat HIV, persistent challenges remain. What final message would you like to share with our readers?
**Professor Yazdanpanah:** My key message is to prioritize routine testing, seek information, and not let stigma deter you from accessing care. Together, we can make strides in reducing HIV infections and supporting those living with the virus.
**Interviewer:** Thank you for your insights, Professor. Your work is critical in shaping the future of HIV treatment and prevention in France.
*For more information on HIV testing and treatment options, visit [Cleveland Clinic’s HIV Testing](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diagnostics/4849-hiv-testing).*
