To mark World AIDS Day on December 1, the Prince’s Palace of Monaco was illuminated in red, transforming the iconic façade into a powerful symbol of solidarity, remembrance and continued commitment in the fight against HIV/AIDS…
The striking gesture served as a reminder that awareness, visibility and collective responsibility remain essential in tackling both the virus and the stigma that too often surrounds it.
On the same day, Fight Aids Monaco, presided over by Princess Stéphanie of Monaco, unveiled a major new public health initiative with the launch of a rapid HIV and STI testing centre at the association’s headquarters. Known as a permanence de dépistage rapide, the service offers fast, free and confidential screening for HIV, Hepatitis B and C, as well as other sexually transmitted infections.
The centre will welcome visitors every Tuesday morning, offering a Test Rapide d’Orientation Diagnostique that delivers reliable results in under 30 minutes, with complete anonymity guaranteed. By removing barriers such as fear, cost and delay, the new facility is designed to encourage regular testing and earlier diagnosis.
Princess Stéphanie underlined the urgency of the initiative, stressing that the tools to stop the spread of HIV already exist, but that testing and awareness remain the key to prevention. According to the latest data from UNAIDS, 1.3 million new HIV infections were recorded worldwide in 2024, with a worrying rise among younger people.
Since its foundation in 2004, Fight Aids Monaco has combined education, prevention, medical support and social care. The new testing centre represents a decisive step forward, strengthening local access to screening while reinforcing Monaco’s wider message of compassion, responsibility and leadership in the global fight against HIV.
Image: Prince’s Palace IG
