France Sees Progress in HIV Testing but Challenges Persist for Vulnerable Populations

Increased testing and free access to diagnostics have boosted HIV detection, but late diagnoses and rising cases in marginalized groups highlight ongoing disparities.

Over 7.5 million HIV tests were conducted in France in 2023, marking a significant increase compared to pre-pandemic levels, largely due to free and accessible testing policies implemented since 2022.
Approximately 5,500 people were newly diagnosed as HIV-positive in 2023, with late-stage diagnoses accounting for 43% of cases, raising concerns about insufficient early detection.
Populations most affected include foreign-born individuals, particularly women from Afro-Caribbean backgrounds, and men who have sex with men, with 40% of new diagnoses occurring in people born outside France.
Preventive tools such as PrEP and post-exposure treatments remain underutilized due to limited public awareness, despite their proven effectiveness in reducing HIV transmission risks.
Advocates emphasize the need for expanded education on HIV prevention in schools and targeted support for marginalized communities to address social and healthcare inequities.