16.7 million condoms distributed free to under-26s

Europe 1 with AFP / Photo credit: Vincent Brugere - Celine Isaert / Hans Lucas / Hans Lucas via AFP 2:22 p.m., March 24, 2024

16.7 million condoms have been distributed free of charge in pharmacies for those under 26 since January 1, 2023, Emmanuel Macron welcomed on Sunday. “On this Sidaction weekend, an important reminder to all those under 26: For you, condoms are free,” wrote the head of state on X. “16.7 million have already been distributed in pharmacy. Enjoy. Continue to protect yourself!”

This Sidaction weekend, an important reminder to all those under 26:

For you, condoms are free.

Since my announcement, 16.7 million have already been distributed in pharmacies. Enjoy it. Continue to protect yourself!

— Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) March 24, 2024

At the end of 2022, Emmanuel Macron announced the entry into force, from January 1, 2023, of this measure which allows 100% coverage by Health Insurance, without a medical prescription, of male condoms. The 2024 Social Security financing law now also provides for free certain female condoms for those under 26.

200,000 people living with HIV

The 30th edition of Sidaction, a charity event supported by television and radio, is being held from Friday to Sunday. In 2023, this event brought together just over 3.9 million euros in pledges, an amount close to that collected the previous year.

>> READ ALSO

- AIDS: the success of free condoms for young people

In France, some 200,000 people live with HIV and 5,000 new HIV-positive cases were discovered in 2022. Although triple therapy treatments make the virus undetectable and prevent its transmission, we still do not know how to eliminate it from the body. .