World AIDS Day, December 1, 2016
As December 1st approaches—marking the 29th World AIDS Day—Santé publique France is releasing a special issue of its Weekly Epidemiological Bulletin and an epidemiological update on the latest data regarding HIV infections and bacterial sexually transmitted infections in France. These data help guide public policies and contribute to their evaluation, particularly screening strategies and prevention efforts targeting the general population and the most at-risk groups.
Key Takeaways for 2015
Medical laboratories performed 5.4 million HIV tests
Nearly 6,000 people learned they were HIV-positive
2,600 MSM learned they were HIV-positive, a number that continues to rise for this population
62,200 rapid diagnostic tests were conducted as part of "community screening" initiatives
HIV testing must be intensified for populations most at risk of HIV in order to reduce the proportion of people who are unaware of their HIV-positive status
The rise in bacterial sexually transmitted infections continues, particularly among men who have sex with men
Learn more:
HIV and bacterial STI infection. Epidemiological update of November 29, 2016.
"World AIDS Day" meeting on November 28, 2016. Oral presentations.
A targeted prevention campaign… for men who have sex with men
In November, Santé publique France launched a prevention campaign targeting men who have sex with men (MSM) through targeted initiatives: posters in community settings (gay bars and clubs), urban areas (bus shelters, shopping centers), national and regional media, social media, and the website.
"Of every 10 people who discover they are HIV-positive each year, 4 to 5 are MSM, or 40 to 50%, while the population of sexually active MSM is estimated at 1.5% of the French population."
In France, HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (syphilis, gonorrhea, genital warts, etc.) disproportionately affect men who have sex with men. This is why prevention efforts among this population must be strengthened by adapting behaviors to the situation and promoting prevention tools.
A new website: sexosafe.fr
Sexosafe.fr is a website by Santé publique France. It is intended for the general public, healthcare professionals, and, more broadly, anyone seeking information on HIV and STI prevention among men who have sex with men.
The site offers quick and easy access to information and prevention tools tailored to individual needs and situations through six sections: condoms, testing, PrEP, PEP, PEP, and vaccination.
The urban poster campaign
See also
HIV/AIDS section (surveillance component)
Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) section (surveillance)
Sida Info Service 08 00 84 08 00, anonymous and free, available 24/7
www.sida-info-service.org, which provides information on testing, lists the contact details of anonymous and free testing centers, and allows you to ask questions online
www.info-ist.fr, for everything you need to know about sexually transmitted infections and advice on prevention
