The French Ministry of Health has introduced a new national sexual health strategy with the goal of ensuring effective access to sexual health for all citizens throughout their lives by 2030. This plan is organized around five key areas, focusing on prevention and tackling ongoing issues such as social and regional inequalities, changing behaviors, and emerging trends like "chemsex," which refers to the use of recreational drugs during sexual activity. The strategy highlights progress made since 2017, including the launch of a program called EVARS (Affective, Relational, and Sexual Education), the inclusion of the right to voluntary termination of pregnancy (IVG) in the French Constitution, and the availability of HIV and sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing without a prescription and at no cost for those under 26.
A central goal of the strategy is to promote early prevention across all life stages, with a strong emphasis on public awareness and the implementation of EVARS programs. These sessions are required to be held at least three times per year in primary, middle, and high schools. The new strategy aims to make it easier for schools to carry out these sessions by providing teachers with a clear national framework. The ministry also emphasizes the importance of communicating openly with families about the content and goals of these educational sessions.
To improve access to sexual health services, the French government plans to make facilities such as Free Information, Testing, and Diagnosis Centers (CeGIDD), sexual health centers, and city medicine more visible and accessible to the public. These services will be made available "as close as possible to where people live," aiming to reduce barriers to care. Additionally, the ministry is developing mobile medical teams that focus on specific needs, such as mental health, disability care, and dental services, to reach individuals who may be far from traditional healthcare settings.
France remains committed to its goal of eliminating new HIV infections by 2030. This will be achieved through expanded testing, combined prevention strategies, and access to innovative treatments such as PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis), which is a daily medication that significantly reduces the risk of contracting HIV. The strategy also emphasizes improving access to contraception and voluntary termination of pregnancy (IVG), ensuring these services are available and equally accessible across the entire country. Special attention will be given to groups at higher risk, including young people, individuals in vulnerable situations, people with disabilities, members of the LGBT+ community, migrants, and those involved in prostitution.
France Unveils National Sexual Health Strategy with Focus on Prevention and Equal Access
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