This year, Polynesia recorded 25 new contaminations, double the number last year. On the occasion of World AIDS Day, this Sunday 1is December, the Health Department is organizing a free distribution of condoms at the Papeete market, from 5 a.m. to 8 a.m. There you will also find information on this disease which remains without a cure, and free screenings will be offered next week.
AIDS has not disappeared, quite the contrary. In 2024, Polynesia recorded 25 new HIV contaminations – 23 men and 2 women – compared to 12 in 2023. A figure which can be explained by the increased vigilance of private doctors, made aware by the Center for Infectious and Tropical Diseases.
A young population which “does not feel directly concerned”
A large part of the cases detected are primary infections, explains the Health Directorate, “so people recently infected, with a greater prevalence among 30-40 year olds. » Young people, poorly informed, increasingly adopt risky behaviors which expose them not only to HIV, but to other sexually transmitted infections, some of which jeopardize their future fertility.
“We see that a significant part of the population does not feel directly concerned by HIV, which increases the risk of spreadsay the health authorities again. It is important to remember that despite medical advances, which make it possible to live longer with this disease, there is currently no cure for HIV. »
This Sunday 1is December 2024, the Health Department is organizing an awareness and prevention action at the Papeete market. Health professionals, elected officials from the Assembly of French Polynesia as well as the associations Cousins Cousines and Agir contre le sida will be present from 5 a.m. to 8 a.m. to distribute free condoms and inform the population about means of HIV prevention. and STIs.
Free screenings next week
In addition to this action, free screening days will be offered. These will take place in a dedicated room close to the Medical Monitoring Center (CMS) located next to the Ministry of Health: lMonday December 2 from 1:30 p.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday December 3 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Friday December 6 from 8 a.m. to noon. To participate, you must contact the hotline number at 87 30 60 57. An information and awareness day is also planned for December 4, 2024 for students at Afareaitu middle school in Moorea, as well as a screening day on December 5 at the Diadème high school in Tahiti.
