Declining HIV Diagnoses in New Zealand Indicate Progress in Prevention Efforts

Recent data from the University of Otago HIV Epidemiology Group reveals a continued decrease in new HIV diagnoses in New Zealand, signaling encouraging progress in preventing HIV transmission. In 2024, 95 individuals were diagnosed with HIV, a figure comparable to 2023 but notably lower than the average of 138 annual cases recorded from 2016 to 2020. This downward trend, especially prominent among men who have sex with men (MSM), highlights the effectiveness of ongoing prevention strategies.

The majority of new diagnoses involved MSM, with 53 cases last year. Of these, 38 acquired HIV within New Zealand, representing a 46% reduction compared to 2010, largely among European MSM. However, infection rates in other ethnic groups of MSM have either remained stable or increased, underscoring the need for culturally tailored prevention services.

Other modes of transmission, such as heterosexual contact, accounted for fewer cases, remaining relatively stable over the past decade. Notably, 2024 marked the first year in over ten years with two children diagnosed with perinatally acquired HIV, emphasizing the importance of maintaining access to HIV screening and treatment to prevent future mother-to-child transmissions.

A significant portion of people living with HIV in New Zealand (166 individuals in 2024) were diagnosed abroad, mainly from Asia, Africa, and Latin America. Most of these individuals (87%) had undetectable viral loads due to antiretroviral therapy, making HIV transmission sexually unlikely.

The national HIV response aligns with the 2030 goal of reducing new infections by 90% from 2010 levels. Despite substantial progress, experts stress the importance of continued efforts in condom use, PrEP uptake, regular testing, and culturally appropriate prevention programs to sustain this positive trajectory.

People living with HIV can lead long, healthy lives thanks to advancements in treatment, and ongoing vigilance remains crucial to achieving a significant decline in HIV cases in New Zealand.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-05-downward-trend-zealand-hiv.html