HIV testing in pharmacies tested in the Alpes-Maritimes

Rapid screening for the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) has been offered in six pharmacies in the Alpes-Maritimes since October, a first in France as part of an experiment before a hoped-for generalization in other pharmacies in the country. After the biological analysis laboratories, pharmacists could carry out a “rapid orientation and diagnostic test”, which consists of a small blood sample from the finger after a prior interview with the professional. The result can then be known within 30 minutes.

“Providing the possibility of regular, local screening is a major key to aiming to end the epidemic”was satisfied with the regional committee to fight against HIV, which recalls the objective of “zero transmission” by 2030. This committee still hopes that pharmacists will be able to play “an expanded role in sexual health”.

The six pharmacies which agreed to participate in this experiment are located in the east of the department, in the municipalities of Menton, Roquebrune-Cap-Martin and Cap d’Ail. These anonymous screenings and interviews will be free in these pharmacies, which have set up a reserved and isolated place for this consultation. These pharmacists have been trained to be able to answer various questions related to sexually transmitted diseases and the steps to follow in the event of a positive test.

«Moment d’information»

“More than a simple test, it’s a moment of information for these audiences”defends Erwann Le Hô, vice-president of the committee to fight against HIV and who thinks that these pharmacy screenings will break a «ceiling the distant». Even if self-tests remain on sale in all pharmacies, “It’s better not to be alone”thinks Erwann Le Hô. This approach is also part of expanding the skills of pharmacists, the majority of whom have been carrying out Covid-19 screening tests since the pandemic and are still vaccinating.

In the Alpes-Maritimes, around a hundred cases of HIV have been detected each year since 2021, a figure that is no longer falling although it had fallen sharply since screening was possible without a prescription in laboratories. In France, 11,000 people are living without knowing it with HIV according to data from Public Health France. Among them, 663 live in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region.