Manitoba health officials are declaring a public health emergency as they move to address a sharp rise in HIV cases across the province, which have more than tripled since 2019.
Sharp rise in infections
In 2019, there were 90 new HIV cases in Manitoba; that number has grown to 328 in 2025, leaving Manitoba with some of the highest HIV rates in Canada.
Rates are highest in the Prairie Mountain Health and Northern Health regions, but the largest number of cases are diagnosed in the Winnipeg region.
Disproportionate impacts
The province also noted that Indigenous peoples continue to be disproportionately impacted, and all people living in rural and remote areas may face additional challenges in accessing care.
In December 2025, a group of governments, Indigenous leaders and organizations, community organizations, health-care organizations and other experts met to discuss how to keep HIV numbers down. In response to the rising number of cases and as a result of their recommendations, the province is launching an HIV Response Steering Committee coordinated through Public Health.
This new committee will help implement recommendations from the broader group and build on strategies and ongoing work being led by federal and Indigenous governments, health-care providers and community partners.
Focus on prevention and care
Some of the areas of focus include increased awareness and use of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), enhanced testing for early diagnosis, connection to care and support for people living with HIV.
According to the province, HIV is most commonly spread through injection drug use and unprotected heterosexual sex and is associated with the convergence of homelessness, mental health concerns, substance use and socio-economic inequality.
Since 2023, the Manitoba government has invested an additional $8 million annually to remove barriers and support increased access to care for HIV.