Sidaction 2025

A Crucial Event in the Fight Against AIDS

Sidaction 2025 will take place from Friday, March 21, to Sunday, March 23, with the aim of supporting the fight against AIDS—a battle weakened by recent U.S. budget cuts. Florence Thune, the event’s executive director, has issued a strong appeal to “go all in” on research, emphasizing the negative impact of U.S. policy decisions. “These incredible American decisions are setting the fight against HIV back 20 years,” she told AFP, stressing the urgent need to accelerate efforts to end lifelong treatment for people living with HIV.

The Importance of Funding for Research and Care

Donations collected during Sidaction, available via phone, SMS, or online, are essential to fund scientific research, improve access to healthcare, and support people living with HIV, both in France and globally. In 2024, the event raised €3.87 million in pledged donations, a stable amount compared to the previous year. The association, chaired by Nobel Prize winner Françoise Barré-Sinoussi, is concerned about the consequences of U.S. budget restrictions and the potential resurgence of the epidemic.

A Warning About the Risk of a Resurgent Epidemic

The impact of U.S. budget cuts is alarming the scientific community. According to infectious disease specialist Jean-Michel Molina, “90% of PrEP treatments are funded by the United States,” raising fears of a rapid rise in infections across several regions of the world. In March, hundreds of specialists urged Washington to restore funding, warning that these cuts could result in up to six million deaths over the next four years.

A Persistent Lack of Information Among Young People

Despite decades of awareness campaigns, misconceptions about HIV transmission persist, particularly among young people. A survey conducted by Opinionway for Sidaction reveals that 42% of 15-24-year-olds believe the virus can be transmitted through a kiss—a figure that has risen by 12 points in a year. Additionally, 31% think that drinking from the same glass as an HIV-positive person could lead to transmission (+6 points). This information gap highlights the need for stronger prevention and education campaigns.

Major Challenges Ahead

Researchers continue to work toward achieving long-term remission of the virus and reducing HIV-related comorbidities, such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and certain cancers. The search for a vaccine remains a priority, while access to preventive treatments like PrEP remains insufficient, particularly among vulnerable populations and women.

Globally, nearly 40 million people live with HIV, a quarter of whom are without treatment. Each year, more than 600,000 people die from AIDS. In France, approximately 200,000 people are living with the virus, and 5,500 new cases were reported in 2023. In the face of these challenges, Sidaction continues to play a vital role in the fight against the pandemic.

Their press release: https://www.sidaction.org/communique/sidaction-2025-21-22-et-23-mars/

Donate here: https://don.sidaction.org/