According to the French public health agency, 25,000 people are unaware that they are HIV positive. Last year, around 6,000 people were found to be HIV-positive, more than a quarter of whom were an advanced stage of infection. These people therefore do not benefit from effective treatments and may be the source of new contaminations without knowing it. This is why the Ministry of Health is launching a new prevention campaign aimed at enhancing the screening offer. The aim is to promote awareness of the different screening methods available and their strengths.
Four possible forms of screening
In recent years, the screening offer has grown. There are four ways to take an HIV and / or STI test:
• The test in a medical analysis laboratory is reimbursed on prescription from a doctor and it is also possible to screen for other STIs (on prescription). In 2016, 5.4 million HIV serologies were performed by medical biology laboratories.
• Testing at a CeGIDD (free information, screening and diagnosis center for HIV, hepatitis and STIs) is free, anonymous, without an appointment, and these centers also offer screening for other STIs.
• The TROD(Rapid Diagnostic Orientation Test) offered by associations is free, anonymous, provides rapid results and is supported by trained prevention officers. Last year, 56,300 rapid diagnostic orientation tests (TROD) were carried out by associative structures.
• Self-test, available in pharmacies, allows you to do the test yourself and get a quick result, when you want, where you want. In 2016, 74,650 HIV self-tests were sold in pharmacies.
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