HIV Cases Surge in Prairie Mountain Health Region: 75 Reported

The Prairie Mountain Health region in Manitoba has experienced a dramatic rise in HIV cases, escalating from just six reported cases in 2022 to a staggering 75 cases in the first half of 2024. This surge represents approximately 40 percent of the province’s total of 189 cases, underscoring a significant public health challenge in the area.

Steep Increase in HIV Diagnoses

According to Dr. Carol Kurbis, a provincial medical officer of health in communicable disease control, this increase is alarming. “HIV has been increasing in Manitoba since about 2019, with the sharpest growth in Prairie Mountain Health since 2022,” she stated. Preliminary data indicates that the region saw 19 cases in 2023, a significant rise from the previous year, and the numbers have only continued to climb.

The annual HIV surveillance report for 2024 has yet to be released, but initial figures suggest that the trend of rising cases is ongoing. Dr. Kurbis highlighted that the increase is largely linked to injection drug use and heterosexual transmission, noting that Manitoba has a higher association with injection drug use compared to other regions in Canada.

Addressing the Underlying Issues

The rise in HIV cases is not solely a medical issue; it reflects broader social challenges. Dr. Kurbis emphasized the necessity of addressing associated factors, such as substance use, mental health issues, poverty, and unstable housing. “There are many factors that go along with the increase in HIV, and we certainly need to look at those issues at the same time when we’re dealing with HIV,” she said.

Manitoba and Saskatchewan lead Canada in HIV diagnosis rates, with Manitoba reporting 19.3 cases per 100,000 people, while Saskatchewan has a slightly higher rate at 19.4. These figures place both provinces well above the national average of 6.1 per 100,000.

In response to the rising cases, local health authorities and community organizations are stepping up their efforts. The 7th Street Health Access Centre in Brandon offers free testing and treatment for sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections. The centre also features a dedicated HIV program staffed by a full-time nurse, social worker, and outreach worker.

Education plays a vital role in prevention. Kaitlyn White from Westman’s Sexuality Education Resource Centre noted the importance of combating stigma surrounding HIV. “Often living with HIV and the stigma that comes with it is much worse than the actual infection itself,” she said. The centre provides free safer sex supplies and operates as a community distribution site for critical resources, such as injection kits and Naloxone kits.

Moving Forward with Treatment and Education

While there is currently no cure for HIV, effective treatments are available that allow individuals to manage the virus and prevent its transmission. “With treatment, you can lower the amount of virus in your body, and if it’s undetectable by a lab, it means that you can’t transmit it to others sexually,” Dr. Kurbis explained. This not only empowers individuals living with HIV to lead healthy lives but also plays a significant role in public health efforts to curb the spread of the virus.

As the Prairie Mountain Health region confronts this pressing health issue, collaboration among health officials, community organizations, and residents will be crucial. Together, they can address the systemic factors contributing to the rise in HIV cases and work towards a healthier future for all.