Sidaction takes stock of the latest data available concerning the transmission of HIV in France and around the world.
- In France, around 5,000 people will discover their HIV status in 2022.
- 8% of cases of seropositivity are discovered at an advanced stage of infection.
- It is also estimated that 24,000 people residing in France are unaware of their HIV status.
On the occasion of Sidaction which is taking place this weekend, the association for the fight against HIV carrier of the same name, presents in a press release the latest figures available concerning this infection.
HIV: where is the epidemic in France?
In France, around 5,000 people discovered their HIV status in 2022, 14% of whom are young people under 25 and 22% of whom are seniors aged 50 and over.
“28% of HIV-positive cases are discovered at an advanced stage of infection, which prevents early treatment.” specifies the non-profit organization.
It is also estimated that 24,000 people residing in France are unaware of their HIV status.
“In a context of regular increase for several years in HIV testing activity, the decrease observed between 2019 and 2020 (–13%) has now been completely made up for in 2022”, however, complement the activists.
HIV: where is the epidemic in the world?
Let’s continue with international data. In 2023, 39 million people were living with HIV worldwide, including 1.5 million children. 53% of all people living with HIV are women and girls.
“Because 630,000 people have died from AIDS-related illnesses worldwide and one in four people do not have access to treatment, research must continue towards a vaccine and treatment to definitively control the virus” , estimates Sidaction.
“Even today, living with HIV remains a very stigmatizing reality for people newly infected or living with the virus for a longer time. In 2023, a third of French people said they would be uncomfortable living with it. idea of going on vacation or working with an HIV-positive person”, deplores the association.
HIV: what treatments are available?
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is the pathogen that causes chronic infection that progresses to AIDS if left untreated.
The treatments currently used directly attack the virus: these are antiretrovirals. “These drugs prevent the virus from multiplying but do not dislodge it from all the cells of the body, nor destroy it. Indeed, HIV persists in the body by being integrated into the DNA of certain cells . The virus remains in latent form then can begin to proliferate again when treatment is interrupted, for example.” specifies Health Insurance.
