Cases of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in Manitoba more than tripled over the past six years, and Manitoba Health, Seniors and Long-Term Care are declaring a public health emergency to combat the spread.
According to a release from the provincial government, new cases of HIV in Manitoba have risen from 90 in 2019 to 328 in 2025. In 2024, Manitoba reported 19.5 cases per 100,000 people, over three-and-a-half times the national rate of 5.5 per 100,000 people, among the highest rates in Canada.
“A broad group of governments, Indigenous leaders and organizations, community organizations, health-care organizations and other experts met in December 2025 to discuss HIV prevention and Manitoba’s response,” reads the release. “As a result of their recommendations and in response to the rising number of HIV cases, the province is launching an HIV Response Steering Committee co-ordinated through Public Health.”
Among the strategies for combating the spread of HIV are developing better and more targeted supports for people in communities most affected by HIV, including those where cases appear to be on the rise, increased awareness and use of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), enhanced testing for early diagnosis, connection to care, and supports for people living with HIV.
“In Manitoba, HIV is most commonly spread through injection drug use and unprotected heterosexual sex and is associated with the convergence of homelessness, mental health concerns, substance use and socio-economic inequality,” reads the release. “HIV stigma and misinformation create additional barriers to seeking care and support. Substance use comes with the additional risk of serious and tragic health impacts such as overdoses and can create further barriers to seeking care.”
HIV spreads through activities like unprotected sex or sharing needles. It is not spread through coughing or sneezing, by touching someone with HIV or from contact with surfaces like toilet seats, countertops and sinks.
