HIV Testing: A Positive Outcome of the “Mon test IST” Program

In 2025, 9 million HIV tests were conducted in laboratories in France, marking a significant increase in testing (+7% compared to 2024). 

This increase is largely due to the growing popularity of the “Mon test IST” program, which allows for testing without a prescription and without upfront costs, with 2.3 million tests performed (representing 25% of the total). 

A Decline in New HIV Diagnoses, but the Risk Remains

In 2025, 4,983 people learned they were HIV-positive, compared to 5,318 in 2023. Despite this decline, including among people born abroad (down 11% since 2023), only the number of new diagnoses among men who have sex with men (MSM) has remained stable, breaking the trend of continuous decline observed through 2022 among MSM born in France.

Early diagnoses have increased by 26% since 2020, while late diagnoses have been trending downward since 2023.

However, despite progress made in prevention (improved screening) and favorable estimates regarding the care cascade,^¹ these positive trends are not yet reflected in incidence figures, which have remained stable in France since 2023.

The number of people living with HIV who are unaware of their HIV status was estimated at 8,463 in 2025. Strengthening repeated testing and expanding the use of combined prevention tools (PrEP, condoms, TasP, etc.) is essential to achieving the national goals of eliminating HIV.

Changing perceptions of people living with HIV

To mark World AIDS Day on December 1, Santé publique France is launching its campaign “Living with HIV means living first and foremost.” This campaign, featured in digital and print formats, aims to reinforce a fundamental message: a person who is HIV-positive and on effective treatment, with an undetectable viral load, does not transmit the virus. Highlighting this reality helps combat prejudice and discrimination, encourages early testing, ensures access to care, and reduces transmission.