Manitoba had the second highest rate of newly diagnosed HIV cases in Canada in 2023. That’s 20.2 cases per 100,000 – three times the national rate. This represents a 41% increase from 2022. 

BY THE NUMBERS: ​“The number of newly diagnosed cases continues to increase significantly,” said Dr. Brent Roussin, the Chief Provincial Public Health Officer. ​“The rate of newly diagnosed HIV cases has been increasing for the past five years, and has more than tripled in 2023 compared to 2019. This is a time to build on the work we have been doing with partners to improve access and connection to care, and remove barriers to accessing treatment.”

There were 280 newly diagnosed cases of HIV (141 males, 138 females and one with unknown sex) reported in 2023 compared to 199 cases in 2022.

WHY IT MATTERS: Addressing increasing rates of HIV remains a provincial priority, with investments in initiatives and community-based organizations to increase prevention, access to testing, and connections to care. Slowing the rate of HIV in Manitoba requires a coordinated effort between public health, community organizations and health care providers.

WHAT’S NEXT: The department has provided a number of Considerations for Practice:

1. Testing recommendations — Test for all STBBIs and reduce stigma by emphasizing that STBBI testing is part of regular health care.

• Test ALL pregnant people at least three times during pregnancy. More frequent testing may be recommended for those at high risk or with new exposures.

2. HIV Medications

• The Manitoba HIV Medications Program (MHMP) provides HIV anti-retroviral therapy (ART), pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) at no cost for eligible Manitobans. For more information visit: FAQ — MHMP — All and FAQ – MHMP — Health Professionals.
• You no longer need to register to prescribe HIV PrEP. Review PrEP eligibility criteria and clinical guidance here.

3. Reporting cases and contacts — Please submit the Provider Report Form for Sexually Transmitted and Blood-Borne Infections (STBBI) and/​or STI Treatment for all STBBI cases and contacts in your care, as well as those who receive STI treatment. Reported STI treatments now show up in eChart. Providers may bill tariffs for completion of the form.

4. The provincial HIV protocol is available here.

• Manitoba HIV care providers can refer clients to public health for those requiring further support to engage in HIV care.

5. The Manitoba HIV Program has information for health care providers at MBHIV​.ca, including information on pathways to care, prescribing PrEP and PEP, and Primary Care Guidelines for Adults Living with HIV.

• Funding has been established for the new ​“Program to Access Treatment for HIV and Support (PATHS)” to support care and HIV treatment in community for people who are not linked to HIV care.

GO DEEPER: Read the full report HIV in Manitoba 2023: Annual Surveillance Update. Find a listing of HIV resources here.