New HIV infections among children in France, 2010–2021

This article presents data from the mandatory reporting of HIV among children (under 15 years of age) in France. Between 2010 and 2021, the number of children diagnosed with HIV is estimated at 581 (95% confidence interval (95% CI): [355–808]), representing just under 1% of all new cases diagnosed during the same period. Among the 54% of children whose place of birth is known, 51% were born in sub-Saharan Africa, 32% in France, and 17% in other countries. Among the 49% of children whose mode of transmission is known, 90% were infected through mother-to-child transmission (MTCT), 5% through blood transfusion in a country other than France, and 4% through heterosexual intercourse. Among children infected via MTCT, nearly one-third were born in France. Of these, 28% did not receive antiretroviral prophylaxis, and their mothers’ HIV-positive status was discovered after delivery in 46% of cases. Improved screening of pregnant women—repeated as needed during pregnancy or breastfeeding—and their partners would further reduce the number of MTCT infections among children born in France.

Author(s): Pichon Pierre, Cazein Françoise, Dollfus Catherine, Lot Florence

Publishing year: 2022

Pages: 463-468

Weekly Epidemiological Bulletin, 2022, n° 24-25, p. 463-468

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