In 2017, approximately 6,400 people learned they were HIV-positive

The number of new HIV diagnoses remained stable between 2010 and 2017. The difference observed compared to previous estimates is due to a change in methodology and not to an increase in the number of new diagnoses. Among those who learned they were HIV-positive in 2017, 3,600 (56%) were infected through heterosexual intercourse, 2,600 (41%) through sex between men, and 130 (2%) through injection drug use. Regarding the two main modes of transmission, the number of new HIV diagnoses has remained stable since 2010. Among people who inject drugs, this number is decreasing. Among new HIV diagnoses among heterosexuals in 2017, 75% involved people born abroad, primarily in sub-Saharan Africa. Among men who have sex with men (MSM) who learned of their HIV status in 2017, 26% were born abroad. Among this group, the number of new diagnoses is steadily increasing.

Reaching people who have never been tested and promoting regular testing among those most at risk

In 2017, 5.6 million HIV serology tests were performed by clinical laboratories, representing a 12% increase in testing activity between 2010 and 2017. This increase was not accompanied by a rise in the number of positive test results. This finding suggests that the increase in testing likely had little impact on the populations most at risk for HIV. Nearly one-third of HIV-positive diagnoses are still made too late: 30% of people were diagnosed in 2017 at an advanced stage of HIV infection. Half of the HIV-positive diagnoses (52%) involved people who reported never having been tested before. In populations where regular testing is recommended—foreign-born heterosexuals and MSM—this proportion was 68% and 33%, respectively. These new data from Santé publique France underscore the importance of removing barriers to testing.

Continue promoting diversified prevention

Alongside testing and treatment for HIV-positive individuals, efforts to promote other available prevention tools (condoms, pre-exposure prophylaxis, post-exposure treatment) must continue. It is the combination of these measures that will ultimately reduce the number of new HIV infections, which will then be followed by a decrease in the number of new HIV diagnoses.

"In a medical laboratory, at a CeGIDD, at home… Testing options in France are varied and adapt to all lifestyles. We must therefore remain committed to removing any barriers that may still exist and ensure that everyone can benefit from them." François Bourdillon, Director General of Santé publique France

For more information:

HIV Surveillance Report (Screening and Mandatory Reporting), 2010–2017