The Covid-19 epidemic marked a halt in the fight against the AIDS virus (HIV) and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Screenings have suffered a sharp decrease of over 60%. Actions have been put in place to adapt to the health crisis while continuing to prevent these diseases.
A meteoric drop in screening
While HIV testing recorded an increase of 6% between 2018 and 2019, the Covid-19 pandemic this year caused a ” strong »Decrease of 60% between February and April 2020 according to the epidemiological bulletin of Public Health France. The epidemic has also strongly impacted the screening of bacterial STIs (syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia). Regarding 2019, “ 6.2 million HIV serologies (blood tests) have been carried out by medical biology laboratories According to this newsletter.
The health agency recalls that screening is the only way to establish the diagnosis, to access antiretroviral treatment and to preserve one’s health.
Actions implemented in December
Since the beginning of December, voluntary associations have set up sexual health centers in Paris, Lyon, Marseille and Montpellier, facilitating access to screening and treatment for populations most exposed to STIs. These centers will allow those who wish to be vaccinated against the papillomavirus, to obtain pre and post exposure treatment to HIV, and to be able to consult addictologists, gynecologists, psychologists or social workers.
According to the Ministry of Health, it is important to promote treatments as prevention tools and to facilitate their access. Intended for HIV-negative people to avoid HIV infection, HIV preventive treatment (PrEP) is free for populations at risk. In 2021, it will be possible to obtain a first-time prescription of PrEP by doctors. Until now, it was only accessible in hospitals, preventing the spread of this prophylactic drug.
