Access to testing for sexually transmitted infections is easy

by time news

2024-08-30 03:30:06

It’s one less step that can make a difference. From September, you no longer need to consult your doctor or go to a free information, examination and diagnosis center (Cegidd) to find out if you are infected with the bacteria responsible for syphilis or gonorrhea or chlamydia, or by hepatitis B virus. All you have to do is open the door to the nearest medical biology clinic.

These four sexually transmitted infections are “is common in the population and can have serious consequences on the health of women and men”MEMORY Dr. Maud Giacopelli, responsible for the HIV-STI-hepatitis screening policy at the Directorate General of Health (DGS). According to STI surveillance data in general practice, the incidence rate in mainland France of chlamydia infections increased by 16% between 2020 and 2022, of gonococcal infections by 91%, and of syphilis by 110%. As for hepatitis B, the number of people with a positive diagnosis increased by 10% between 2016 and 2021, according to the results of the French LaboHep study.

The new program, developed as part of the national sexual health strategy, aims to “reduce the risk of missed opportunities to test”for we know that it is he “It’s not always easy to talk about sexual health with your doctor”explains the head of DGS. By simplifying the process, we increase the chances that infected people will be found early and receive treatment quickly, which contributes to “break the chains of transportation”.

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This simple movement should find its audience, if we are to believe the first results of the HIV Test, a device that allows free screening for HIV without a prescription in medical biology laboratories: Only in 2022, the first year of its existence, almost 250,000 people have used it. This offer has made it possible not only to increase the overall level of HIV, but also to “reach populations that are not necessarily screened for this virus” responsible for AIDS, argues Maud Giacopelli, who hopes “Adjust this positive effect on screening for other STIs”.

“Allow to de-dramatize”

Those under 26 will not have to pay anything, as long as they have a Vitale card or state medical assistance. Why this age? Because young people have an important sexual activity, they do not know the methods of prevention and are particularly concerned by the increase in STIs, Dr. Pascal Pugliese, doctor at the University Hospital of Nice and former president of the French Association for the Prevention to AIDS Virus Disease (SFLS). ), which participates in the group working through DGS.

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