The 22nd edition of Sidaction, a fundraising operation for research and prevention against AIDS, started on Friday when a survey shows a growing lack of awareness of this disease among young people -

FLORIAN SCHUH DPA

The Covid-19 crisis must not eclipse other health battles.

This is the message sent this Saturday by Emmanuel Macron on social networks, on the occasion of the traditional Sidaction, which takes place until Sunday.

The president calls for mobilization to "regain ground" in the face of HIV.

“For a year now, Covid-19 has constrained our lives, limited our movements, restricted our human relations.

As if that weren't enough, it overshadows other health emergencies.

By crushing the news, it relegates other pathologies in the shade and silence, "he writes, deploring" an alarming drop in HIV testing ".

Testing down

With these words, the Head of State joins the concerns of those responsible for Sidaction.

“The main impact is on the delay in accessing screening.

In France, in October, we had 650,000 fewer tests than what was planned at this stage, and some countries had up to 50% fewer screenings, ”lamented the general manager of the movement, Florence Thune.

"We need your momentum, your help to finance research, prevention programs and support for patients," insists the tenant of the Elysee Palace, adding that France is "the second largest contributor to the Global Fund against AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria ”.

Line Renaud in the spotlight

Last year, the collection weekend was canceled due to confinement.

But this year, it was indeed launched Thursday evening, with the broadcast of a clip on the 31 partner media, which relay calls for donations.

They can be done by phone (110, free call) or internet (www.sidaction.org).

In addition, the

Merci Line

evening

will be broadcast on Saturday evening on France 2 in tribute to Line Renaud, the irremovable vice-president of Sidaction.

According to the latest UNAIDS report, 38 million people around the world are living with HIV and more than 12 million people are waiting for treatment, which is now life-saving.

In 2019, 1.7 million people were newly infected with HIV and 690,000 people died from AIDS-related illnesses.

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  • AIDS

  • Emmanuel Macron