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France Reports 41% Rise in HIV Diagnoses Among Youth Since 2014

Health officials urge targeted prevention after identifying gaps in access for young people.

Overview

  • Santé publique France says HIV diagnoses among 15–24-year-olds rose 41% from 2014 to 2023 as adult diagnoses fell 15%.
  • Increases are concentrated in the French overseas departments and regions and in metropolitan areas outside Île-de-France.
  • Recently arrived young people born in sub‑Saharan Africa and those facing precarity are disproportionately affected.
  • A survey of about 6,000 men aged 18–29 finds MSM under 21 use PrEP far less than older peers (8% versus 23%), rarely discuss prevention with doctors, and report more unprotected sex.
  • Officials recommend targeted prevention, free condom access, and testing without prescription, releasing the findings ahead of World AIDS Day.