09/29/2025
There is an increase of HIV cases in Swan Valley in the Prairie Mountain Health region.
In 2022, there were 7 people in Prairie Mountain Health diagnosed with HIV (200 people provincewide).
As of 2024, there were 44 people (291 people provincewide).
Halfway through 2025, there are currently 75 people in PMH (189 people provincewide).
An online meeting hosted by Prairie Mountain Health, the Department of Health, Seniors and Long-Term Care, and the Department of Housing, Addictions and Homelessness discussed causes of the outbreak and the rise in cases.
According to a medical officer with the province, HIV has been increasing in Manitoba since 2019 (with 92 new diagnoses across Manitoba) and significant increases since 2022. Prairie Mountain Health has seen the sharpest growth.
They contribute the increase due to increased testing and contributing factors such as injection d rug use, unprotected s ex, housing instability and stigma around seeking care.
The medical officer said it is essential that issues like mental health, housing and poverty are addressed along with medical treatment to stop the increase of cases.
An addictions physician with Shared Health said evidence shows that clean needle distribution remains an essential part of preventing transmission and decreases the risks of HIV and hepatitis C.
The RM of Swan Valley West has a bylaw that prohibits the distribution of clean drug-use supplies which can further compound the problem.