HIV and sexually transmitted infection (STI) screening is on the rise in Réunion, according to recent surveillance data from Santé Publique France. Although increased testing is a positive trend, the number of new HIV diagnoses has also been increasing since 2023, highlighting the need for continued prevention efforts.
Increased screening rates underscore the importance of bolstering collective action, including encouraging regular testing and expanding access to pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for all populations at risk, says Fabien Thouillot of Santé Publique France.
Réunion Island currently has higher rates of STI and HIV detection compared to other regions, presenting an opportunity for early intervention, complication prevention, and a better understanding of local trends to optimize public health strategies.
– HIV Screening Increases in Réunion –
Since 2022, Réunion has seen a trend of increasing HIV diagnoses at an early stage, both in number and proportion. Simultaneously, the number and proportion of diagnoses at an advanced stage are decreasing in 2024. As of the end of 2024, an estimated 206 people (with a confidence interval of 130-282) are living with HIV unaware of their status.
The rate of HIV serology tests performed in Réunion is 192 per 1,000 residents, continuing an upward trend since 2022. This rate is higher than that of mainland France but lower than other French overseas regions (excluding Mayotte).
Testing rates are higher among women than men, except for those aged 50 and older, but are increasing across all age groups and for both sexes.
The highest screening rates are found among women aged 25-49 (302.5 per 1,000 residents) and women aged 15-24 (279.4 per 1,000 residents), significantly higher than those of men aged 25-49 (175.6 per 1,000 residents).
The number of HIVTests performed increased in 2024 compared to 2023 across all age groups, although with some monthly variations. The 25-49 age group benefited the most from the increased testing availability.
– STI Screening Progresses in Réunion –
Since 2020, the rate of screening for Chlamydia trachomatis infections has been increasing in Réunion (98 per 1,000 residents in 2024 compared to 80 per 1,000 residents in 2023). This is particularly true for women, who are screened much more frequently than men across all age groups.
The rate of screening for gonorrhea infections has been increasing in Réunion since 2022. Among women aged 15-25 and 25-49, screening rates are nearly three times higher than the regional average and 2.5 to 3.5 times higher than those of men in the same age groups.
Syphilis screening rates have also been increasing in Réunion since 2022. The highest rates are among women aged 15-25 and 25-49, more than twice the regional average, but the increase is observed across all age groups for both men and women.
women are screened for STIs much more frequently than men, with the exception of syphilis screening among those over 50.
– Mandatory Reporting Declining –
A critical issue requires attention: the completeness of mandatory reporting is declining. “To act effectively, we need solid, reliable, and complete data. Restoring this quality of surveillance is not just a technical requirement; We see a fundamental condition for guiding public policies, ensuring a fair and appropriate response, and providing the most accurate data possible,” officials stated.
In 2024, the proportion of reports submitted by clinicians in Réunion continued to increase, approaching levels seen in 2021. However, the proportion of reports including both required sections has decreased significantly since 2022.
Biologists and clinicians must report all diagnosed cases through the www.e-DO.fr application. The application allows for direct submission of reports to health authorities.
– Any biologist who diagnoses an HIV infection must report the case via the dedicated form (even if the person has been previously diagnosed in another laboratory)
AND
– Any clinician who prescribes an HIV serology test that proves positive, who takes charge of a person recently diagnosed with HIV, who records the death of a person with HIV, or who diagnoses AIDS in a patient, whether previously known to be HIV-positive or not, must report the case via the dedicated form.
Each co-reporter (clinician and biologist) submits a report independently within the application.
For assistance, contact e-DO Info Service at 0 809 100 003 or Santé publique France: [email protected]
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