9 million tests: screening reaches a new milestone
In 2025, 9 million HIV screening tests will be carried out in laboratories in France, an increase of 7% in one year.
This progression is explained in particular by the “My STI test” system, which allows you to be tested without a prescription and without upfront costs. With 2.3 million tests carried out, it now represents a quarter of screenings.
Another encouraging signal: early diagnoses have increased by 26% since 2020, while late diagnoses have tended to decrease since 2023. An essential progress to allow those affected to quickly access treatment.
Fewer HIV discoveries, but the virus is still circulating
In 2025, 4,983 people discovered their HIV status, compared to 5,318 in 2023. The decline particularly concerns people born abroad (-11% since 2023).
One exception, however, deserves attention: among men who have sex with men (MSM), the findings remain stable, breaking with the continued decline observed until 2022.
Above all, this improvement in screening has not yet translated into a reduction in new infections. HIV incidence has remained stable in France since 2023.
Public Health France also estimates the number of people living with HIV without knowing their HIV status at 8,463 in 2025. A figure which highlights the importance of regular screening, even in the absence of symptoms.
PrEP, condoms: prevention must continue
To achieve the goal of eliminating HIV, screening must be accompanied by prevention adapted to each individual.
PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis), condoms and TasP (treatment as prevention) constitute the main tools of this strategy. The latter is based on a major medical advance: an HIV-positive person under effective treatment, with a lastingly undetectable viral load, does not transmit the virus sexually.
The Director General of Public Health France, Dr Étienne Pot, underlines this collective mobilization:
“The year 2025 shows concrete progress: 9 million HIV screening tests carried out and an 18% drop in HIV discoveries, the momentum is there. Public actors, health professionals, associations and citizens, our common objective is clear: to eradicate HIV. The amplification of screening, the strengthening of prevention and the fight against stigmatization are the major axes which guide our action”.
“Living with HIV is first of all living”: reducing discrimination
On December 1, Public Health France will also launch its campaign “Living with HIV is first of all living”. Broadcast on billboards and on digital media, it aims to remind people of a reality that is still too little known: an HIV-positive person under effective treatment, whose viral load is undetectable, does not transmit HIV.
Because despite therapeutic progress, people living with the virus continue to face prejudice and discrimination. These representations can fuel fear of screening and complicate access to care.
The fight against HIV therefore also requires a change of outlook. Medical advances now make it possible to live with the virus without transmitting it when effective treatment keeps the viral load undetectable.
The figures for 2025 are encouraging, but the 8,463 people who are still unaware of their HIV status are a reminder of the road ahead. Behind the goal of eliminating HIV, there is an essential ambition: to allow everyone to be screened, treated and to live without being stigmatized.