2023-11-29 09:08:51
Federal Council
Bern, 29.11.2023 – In recent decades, significant progress has been made in Switzerland in the prevention and treatment of HIV infections and hepatitis B and C viruses. By 2030, the Federal Council sets itself to objective of eliminating any further transmission of these pathogens. To this end, on November 29, 2023, it adopted the new national program “Stop HIV, hepatitis B and C viruses and sexually transmitted infections (NAPS)”.
Switzerland is building on the effective prevention work it has been carrying out for years against HIV and viral hepatitis. We are also seeing great progress in the treatment of these diseases. By increasing the number of appropriate tests, it has also been possible to detect and treat other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) more often.
By launching the national NAPS program, the Federal Council has set itself the objective of eliminating all new infections with HIV and hepatitis B and C viruses in Switzerland by 2030. This objective is in line with that of the World Health Organization. health. The aim is also to reduce the incidence of new infections with other sexually transmitted pathogens, in particular syphilis, human papillomavirus (HPV) and gonorrhea, and thus to improve sexual health in particular.
The new national program was developed taking into account the latest scientific knowledge and involving the cantons and other relevant parties. It defines in particular the following three axes:
Focus on key groups
The national program is particularly aimed at people who are at increased risk of contracting HIV, hepatitis B and C and other STIs. At the same time, we must continue to raise awareness among the entire population, and especially among young people, of the risks, while informing them of the possibilities for protecting themselves.
Integrative approach
The national program follows an integrative approach. For the first time, it also includes hepatitis B and C virus infections. It is also aimed at other particularly affected people, who are included in the implementation.
React to developments
The national program is designed to enable authorities to respond to new international and national epidemiological developments and medical advances during this period. It will therefore be adapted according to developments.
Equal access
It is important to diagnose and treat infections in a timely manner. To do this, screening offers must be simple and easy to access. Financial obstacles must be removed and the offers must be well linked.
HIV prophylaxis covered by health insurance
As a first concrete step to implement the NAPS program, the Federal Department of the Interior has decided that HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for people at increased risk will be covered by compulsory insurance care from July 1, 2024.
National programs
Switzerland has more than 40 years of experience in preventing and combating HIV. The first national program was launched in 1987. Since 2011, other sexually transmitted diseases have been integrated into the National Program for HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (PNVI), extended several times by the Federal Council. The next version of the PNVI, in 2024, will be entitled “Stop HIV, hepatitis B and C viruses and sexually transmitted infections (NAPS)”.
Address for sending questions
Federal Office of Public Health, Communication, +41 58 462 95 05, [email protected]
Auteur
Federal Council
https://www.admin.ch/gov/fr/accueil.html
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