Manitoba declares public health emergency over rising HIV cases

The Manitoba government has declared a public health emergency following a sharp rise in HIV cases across the province, marking the first time Manitoba has issued such an emergency declaration related to HIV.

According to Manitoba chief provincial public health officer Dr. Brent Roussin, the number of reported HIV cases increased from 90 in 2019 to 328 in 2025. Preliminary data for the first quarter of 2026 shows approximately 120 cases, a level health officials describe as concerning. Final figures for 2026 have not yet been released.

Provincial health officials said Manitoba’s HIV rate has reached 19.5 cases per 100,000 people, compared with the national average of 5.5 cases per 100,000. The highest number of cases has been reported in Winnipeg.

Dr. Roussin said the increase is linked primarily to injection drug use and unprotected sexual activity. He also said Indigenous communities continue to be disproportionately affected by HIV infections in the province.

The emergency declaration allows the province to coordinate additional public health measures, expand prevention efforts, and improve access to testing and treatment services.

Public health officials say the increase in HIV cases places added pressure on Manitoba’s health-care system and highlights ongoing concerns related to addictions and access to preventive care.