Health Minister Says Updated HIV Data Does Not Reflect Sudden Surge

Minister of Health, Family and Welfare, Geela Ali, clarified today that the latest figures on the national Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) situation reflect a complete, updated dataset rather than a sudden spike in infections.

Speaking at a press conference at the President’s Office, Minister Geela said that the updated national registry now records a cumulative total of 71 HIV cases, with 53 individuals currently living with the virus in the Maldives. She emphasised that the Maldives maintains its global classification as a low-prevalence nation, with HIV affecting approximately 0.01 per cent of the total population since the first case was detected in 1991.

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The clarification follows an HPA social media post last Thursday aimed at raising public awareness about HIV. While the post prompted renewed public discussion about the country’s HIV situation, authorities have not officially announced a surge in infections. Local media reported, based on a Request to Information (RTI), that 22 new cases were registered this year. However, the Minister did not clarify the difference when a journalist asked. Statistics were not available on public platforms.

Addressing changes in public communication strategies, the Minister explained that health authorities no longer issue public announcements for individual positive test results to prevent unnecessary public alarm. Official statistical updates are now formally released once a year on World AIDS Day.

She noted that standard public health responses, including counselling, contact tracing, and diagnostic testing, continue immediately and seamlessly whenever a case is identified.

According to the Minister, unsafe sexual contact remains the primary transmission route for HIV in the Maldives. She also highlighted elevated risks among specific key populations, particularly intravenous drug users and blood transfusion recipients.

She highlighted that while strict screening protocols remain in place across the healthcare system to guarantee blood safety, she added that targeted public health programs and awareness initiatives are currently being expanded to better reach these high-risk groups.