2023-12-01 08:39:56
December 1 marks World HIV/AIDS Day. This day is an opportunity to recall that France continues its resolute commitment to eliminate the HIV/AIDS epidemic by 2030, in accordance with the National Sexual Health Strategy 2017-2030. On this occasion, Aurélien Rousseau, Minister of Health and Prevention, recalls the importance of screening for early diagnosis of HIV infection as well as access to antiretroviral treatments whose preventive effect has a direct impact on the dynamics of the epidemic.
The year 2023 also marks the 40th anniversary of the pioneering discovery of French researchers Luc Montagnier et Françoise Barre-Sinoussithe first to formally identify and describe HIV, in 1983.
Surveillance data for HIV/Aids and bacterial sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in France published by Public Health France show an increase in HIV/Aids screening activity since the end of the Covid-19 pandemic. In 2022, the number of people who discovered their HIV status was estimated between 4,230 and 5,740: an increasing figure – following the sharp drop observed in 2020 – but which nevertheless remains lower than the HIV/AIDS contamination figures observed. over the last ten years, particularly among men who have sex with men.
However, despite this increase in the number of screenings, reaching its highest level in 2022 (6.5 million serologies compared to 6.34 million in 2019), 43% of HIV/AIDS infections were discovered at a late stage.. However, late discovery of HIV status constitutes a loss of opportunity for individual care and also represents an increased risk of transmission to partners before starting antiretroviral treatment.
“In this 1is December, I think of all the people living with HIV/AIDS, and of the victims of the disease, who remind us that our energy focused on research and prevention must never weaken. Screening is essential and at the heart of our actions to fight HIV/AIDS. The screening dynamic must be strengthened. Everything has been made easier for this, and the mobilization of all stakeholders will make it possible to achieve the “95%” objective in 2030: 95% of HIV-positive people knowing their HIV status, 95% of people knowing their HIV status under treatment and 95% of people on treatment with an undetectable viral load. » Aurélien Rousseau, Minister of Health and Prevention
For two years now, laboratory screening without prescription and 100% covered by Health Insurance has been added to the arsenal dedicated to prevention in sexual health.
Screening is a major focus of Government action to improve the sexual health of all. Since January 2022, theHIVTest device has been implemented in all medical biology laboratories. This new screening offer without a prescription and 100% coverage is a fundamental step in strengthening the accessibility of laboratory screening in France, in addition to CeGIDD and rapid diagnostic orientation tests (TROD).
“Since the Covid-19 health crisis, we have wanted to give the laboratory a stronger place as a local place for health services. HIV/AIDS screening has its place, whether by prescription or without a prescription for an opportunity test or to respond to the wish to check one’s serological status. Prevention must be done in our everyday places, so that everyone can and dare to walk through the door. » Aurélien Rousseau, Minister of Health and Prevention
Finally, if screening still remains one of the essential pillars of HIV/AIDS prevention, it must be done in addition to other measures: free condoms for those under 26 in pharmacies since January 2022 as announced by the president of the Republic, pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), post-exposure treatment (TPE) and treatment as prevention of transmission (Treatment as Prevention – TasP).
To know more :
National Public Health Bulletin (BSP) of November 28, 2023
Inform regarding HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) – Ministry of Health and Prevention (sante.gouv.fr)
Contact presse
Ministry of Health and Prevention
Cabinet of M. Aurélien Rousseau
Tel: 01 40 56 60 60
Email: [email protected]
14, avenue Duquesne
75350 Paris SP 07
1701653452
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