In 2023, the PACA region observed a 22% increase in new HIV infections, an alarming figure revealed by the Regional Health Agency. Faced with this situation, screening centers are intensifying their prevention actions and facilitating access to tests to better fight the spread of the virus.
In 2023, the PACA region observed a 22% increase in new HIV infections, a figure revealed by the Regional Health Agency (ARS) during World AIDS Day. This observation alarms the health authorities, who are intensifying prevention campaigns and screening actions throughout the region.
The GenExpert: rapid and precise screening
One of the flagship tools in the fight against HIV is the GenExpert machine, created 20 years ago. This technology makes it possible to detect HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) as early as 7 days after a risky relationship. Maxime Supion, nurse at Spot Longchamp in Marseille, presents the machine:“It’s this machine, the GenExpert, which opens with drawers. We put cartridges in with the person’s samples, and then, in 1h30, we have the result.”
This device plays a crucial role in the rapid detection of HIV, which, according to specialists, allows patients to have a life expectancy comparable to that of the general population, as long as they are treated in time.
Symptoms to watch out for
Maxime Supion also warns of the symptoms that can appear in 20% of infected people. These include signs often confused with other pathologies:
“It will be angina, pharyngitis, lymph nodes which appear at the axial level or in the hollow of the groin. Red spots can also appear all over the body, a fever or a feeling of chills the night should alert you.”
Rapid detection, followed by treatment, remains essential to prevent the progression of the virus and improve the quality of life of those affected.
-An increase in infections and specific targets
The figures for 2023, with 358 new HIV infections in PACA compared to 292 in 2022, reveal a worrying trend. Zahra Bernissi, coordinator at Spot Longchamp, analyzes the causes of this increase: “There are different people who are no longer aware of the means of prevention and transmission. On the other hand, we are seeing an increase in screening, which makes it possible to reach more target populations such as migrants, transgender women, Latin America, men who have sex with men, and people who inject psychoactive drugs.”
In addition, the dynamics of contamination has evolved: today, heterosexual relations have become the main source of transmission, surpassing relations between men which predominated in past years.
Accessibility of screening
To respond to this situation, 36 screening centers are present in the PACA region. Since January 2022, all biological analysis laboratories have offered the possibility of being tested for HIV without a prescription, without an appointment and with 100% coverage, thus facilitating access to screening for everyone.
