AIDS prevention organizations in France have raised concerns about the absence of a national HIV prevention campaign for 2026, which they say signals a reduced commitment to fighting the disease. On the occasion of World AIDS Day on December 1, the health agency typically launches a public campaign to raise awareness about HIV and AIDS. However, a group of organizations, including Act Up, Aides, and Sidaction, as well as sexual health committees and other advocacy groups, stated in an open letter that the campaign has been canceled. They addressed their concerns to Health Minister Stéphanie Rist and the director general of the health agency, urging them to reconsider the decision. The organizations expressed alarm over the potential impact of this decision, especially since France has set a goal of eliminating HIV transmission by 2030. According to Anaïs Saint-Gal, a spokesperson for Sidaction’s advocacy, information about the cancellation began circulating by the end of August, and since then, HIV advocates have received confirmation from Santé publique France, the French public health agency. They linked the decision to budget cuts at the national level. The Ministry of Health denied that the campaign had been canceled, clarifying that it had not even been officially produced yet. Grégory Emery, the director general of health, explained that the government had to prioritize among the various campaigns requested by Santé publique France, and this particular campaign was not selected as a priority. Emery emphasized that France already has a comprehensive public policy on HIV, including the 2026-2030 sexual health strategy, and that local health networks and digital tools are effective in reaching the public. Emery also argued that the effectiveness of traditional media campaigns, such as television ads, has diminished in recent years. He said that the government’s communication efforts need to be more readable and better organized for citizens, regardless of budget constraints. While the absence of the campaign has sparked concern among HIV advocates, the health ministry maintains that alternative methods of communication are being prioritized to ensure continued progress in the fight against HIV.