Manitoba has declared a public health emergency in response to alarmingly high rates of HIV infection across the province. The announcement was made by Dr. Brent Roussin, Manitoba's chief provincial public health officer, during a news conference on Thursday.
According to Dr. Roussin, Manitoba 'continues to experience some of the highest rates of HIV in Canada.' In 2024, the province reported a rate of 19.5 cases per 100,000 people, approximately 3.5 times the national average of 5.5 cases per 100,000. The situation has worsened in recent years, with 328 new HIV cases reported in 2025, compared to 142 new cases in 2021.
The highest infection rates are observed in the Northern and Prairie Mountain Health regions, although the greatest number of cases is concentrated in Winnipeg. Indigenous communities are disproportionately affected by the epidemic.
'This is significant; it's concerning,' Dr. Roussin stated, emphasizing the need for coordinated action among governments, communities, and health systems. He attributed the rise in HIV cases to several factors, including injection drug use, homelessness, mental health challenges, increased sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections, and barriers to accessing care.
The province is collaborating with Indigenous leaders, community organizations, and federal partners to address the underlying conditions driving HIV transmission. Dr. Roussin highlighted efforts to increase awareness and expand access to prevention, testing, treatment, and harm reduction services.
Over the past four years, Manitoba has invested more than $8 million in HIV treatment and prevention programs. Dr. Roussin stressed that the emergency declaration is not intended to create fear but to acknowledge the reality faced by individuals and communities and to respond with urgency.
