French National AIDS Council Urges Immediate Government Action to Combat Rising Infections & Vulnerabilities
Paris, France – FranceS National AIDS Council (CNS) is issuing an urgent call for renewed government commitment adn funding to address a concerning resurgence of HIV infections and escalating challenges in providing care to vulnerable populations. The council’s recent report highlights a stagnation in prevention efforts coupled wiht increasing barriers to healthcare access, threatening to reverse decades of progress in the fight against AIDS.
While France has historically been a leader in AIDS research and treatment, the CNS warns that recent setbacks – including threats to state medical aid (AME) and residency rights for individuals seeking medical care – are jeopardizing the health of at-risk groups. This comes at a critical juncture, as new HIV diagnoses remain stubbornly high among key populations, and emerging issues like chemsex are creating new avenues for transmission. The council emphasizes that sustained public investment and policy support are essential to achieving the enterprising goal of ending AIDS by 2030.
The CNS report points to a worrying plateau in preventative measures, despite the availability of effective tools like PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis). Access to testing remains uneven, particularly for marginalized communities, and stigma continues to be a important barrier to care. Simultaneously, the council notes repeated attempts to restrict AME and medical residency rights, which disproportionately impact vulnerable individuals – including migrants and those experiencing homelessness – and hinder their ability to access vital HIV prevention and treatment services.
“An urgent remobilization of public authorities” is the central demand of the CNS, signaling a growing concern that France’s commitment to combating AIDS is waning. The call for action echoes recent statements from leading virologists, such as Françoise Barré-Sinoussi, who assert that ending AIDS is within reach, but requires decisive leadership and sustained investment from France. The CNS’s report serves as a stark reminder that the fight against AIDS is far from over and demands immediate attention to protect public health and uphold the rights of all citizens.
