A diagnosis time still too long
In 2023, the median time between HIV infection and diagnosis remained worrying, reaching 1.9 years. This situation highlights a persistent problem: more than 10,000 people were still living with HIV without knowing it. According to Santé Publique France, a significant part of the population does not screen themselves sufficiently. However, early diagnosis is essential to slow the spread of the virus, as people informed of their status are more likely to adopt preventive behaviors.
The ambitious objective of the National Sexual Health Strategy is to eradicate the HIV epidemic by 2030. With this in mind, a new measure could prove decisive: the possibility of carrying out a rapid test directly in pharmacies.
Rapid tests available in pharmacies
Thanks to collaboration between pharmacists’ unions (USPO and FSPF) and the French Society for the Fight against AIDS, six pharmacies in the Alpes-Maritimes are the first in France to offer HIV screening in pharmacies. In conjunction with COREVIH PACA Est, these pharmacies offer a rapid, anonymous, confidential, free test, the results of which are available in just one minute.
This local initiative is part of a global sexual health approach, aiming for effective and accessible care. Other regions, such as Guyana, Martinique, Île-de-France and the Grand-Est, are currently preparing the deployment of this system, with the ambition of covering hundreds of pharmacies from 2025.
Pharmacists: a key role in prevention
Pharmacists, the primary local players in health matters, see their missions broaden with this new responsibility. Already involved in vaccination and other prevention actions, they have a national network of pharmacies which could become a crucial network for screening for HIV and other sexually transmitted infections.
This progress marks an important step in the integration of preventive care into the heart of local communities, providing everyone with easier access to essential services. With this approach, France is moving a little closer to its goal of eradicating HIV.
