HIV Cases Surge in Prairie Mountain Health Region, Experts Warn

The Prairie Mountain Health region in Manitoba has experienced a dramatic rise in HIV cases, escalating from just six reported cases in 2022 to an alarming 75 cases within the first half of 2024. This surge represents approximately 40 percent of the provincial total of 189 cases. The increase has raised significant concerns among health officials, who are linking the rise to factors such as drug use and socioeconomic challenges.

Dr. Carol Kurbis, a provincial medical officer of health specializing in communicable disease control, highlighted the urgency of the situation. She pointed out that Manitoba has seen a steady increase in HIV cases since 2019, with the most significant growth occurring in the Prairie Mountain Health region. “The rate of increase has been a little bit higher in Prairie Mountain,” Kurbis stated, noting that the trend is evident across the province.

In 2022, there were only six diagnosed HIV cases in the region. This number surged to 19 in 2023, and preliminary data indicates that 44 new cases were recorded in the last year. The latest figures from early 2024 show that the region has already reached 75 cases, raising alarm among public health officials.

Underlying Factors Contributing to the Rise

Dr. Kurbis attributes the rise in HIV cases to various interconnected issues, including rising rates of injection drug use and heterosexual transmission. “The association with injection drug use has been increasing over the last many years,” she explained, emphasizing that Manitoba exhibits a higher correlation with injection drug use compared to other regions in Canada.

Statistics reveal that Manitoba and Saskatchewan lead the country in HIV diagnosis rates, with Manitoba’s rate at 19.3 per 100,000 people and Saskatchewan at 19.4, significantly higher than the national average of 6.1 per 100,000 people. During a recent online town hall meeting, Dr. Kurbis discussed these findings with residents, stressing the need to address broader social issues that contribute to the rise in HIV cases.

“We know that HIV is associated with a number of challenging issues like substance use, mental health, poverty, and unstable housing,” she added. “To effectively manage and prevent further cases, we must consider these factors.”

Community Efforts and Resources

In downtown Brandon, the 7th Street Health Access Centre offers vital services, including testing and treatment for sexually transmitted infections, including HIV, at no cost. The centre is equipped with a full-time nurse, social worker, and outreach worker dedicated to addressing the needs of those at risk.

Kaitlyn White from the Westman’s Sexuality Education Resource Centre emphasizes the role of education in combating the stigma surrounding HIV. “Often living with HIV and the stigma that comes with it is much worse than the actual infection itself,” she noted. The centre provides free safer sex supplies, such as condoms and lubricant, to help prevent transmission of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections.

The centre also collaborates with Prairie Mountain Health to distribute injection kits, naloxone kits, and fentanyl testing strips, aiming to reduce harm among individuals who use drugs. “The increase in drug use is a result of unmet basic needs like housing and food,” White stated, underscoring the impact of social issues on public health.

While there is currently no cure for HIV, Dr. Kurbis reassures the public that effective treatments are available. “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,” she explained. This advancement allows individuals diagnosed with HIV to lead healthy, normal lives, thereby reducing the spread of the virus.

The rising number of HIV cases in the Prairie Mountain Health region serves as a critical reminder of the ongoing challenges in public health, highlighting the need for comprehensive approaches that address both medical and social factors.