HIV cases rise in Singapore as many unaware of infection

JAKARTA, CNBC Indonesia – Singapore reported a rise in new HIV cases in 2025, with 166 new cases among citizens and permanent residents (PR), up from 151 in 2024, according to local health authorities.

Although the increase is slight, annual HIV cases in Singapore have generally trended downward in recent years. Between 2009 and 2019, new cases ranged from 300 to 500 annually, dropping to 200-270 from 2020 to 2023, and below 200 since 2024. The Communicable Diseases Agency (CDA) noted annual fluctuations are still possible.

Singapore’s Minister of State for Health, Rahayu Mahzam, said the rise serves as a reminder that HIV efforts must not slacken.

‘Although cases remain below 200, the increase compared to last year means we cannot be complacent,’ Mahzam said at a sexually transmitted infections congress on 23 May 2026, according to Mothership on 25 May.

A key concern, she noted, is that over half of new HIV cases in 2025 were diagnosed at late stage. Of 92 new patients (55.4%), the infection was advanced upon first diagnosis, up from 51.7% (78 out of 151) in 2024.

Most new cases were detected during medical treatment for other conditions. CDA reported 65.1% of cases were found through routine healthcare services, with most at late stage.

Meanwhile, 15.1% were identified through routine HIV screening programmes, and 11.4% via self-initiated testing.

CDA noted cases found through self-testing were typically in early stages. Men who have sex with men (MSM), including bisexuals, were more likely to voluntarily test than heterosexual transmission groups.

Sexual contact remains the primary transmission route, accounting for 97% of new cases in 2025.

Of these, 32.5% were heterosexual transmission, 56.6% among men who have sex with men (MSM), and 7.8% among bisexual men.

Singapore is pursuing the UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets: 95% of people with HIV aware of their status, 95% of diagnosed patients on treatment, and 95% of those on therapy achieving viral suppression.

Currently, CDA said nearly 90% of HIV-positive individuals know their status, 96% of diagnosed patients are on treatment, and nearly 94% on therapy have achieved viral suppression.

This means Singapore has surpassed the second target regarding treatment and is close to meeting diagnosis and suppression goals. However, the government acknowledges challenges, particularly delayed diagnosis and treatment access.

CDA now recommends all adults in Singapore get tested for HIV at least once in their lifetime, regardless of risk factors. Those with high-risk sexual behaviour are advised to test every three to six months.

Health authorities also stated HIV patients on consistent treatment with undetectable viral load for at least six months cannot transmit the virus to sexual partners. Since 2025, self-testing kits have been sold over-the-counter at pharmacies across Singapore.

Additionally, the Singapore government will expand HIV medication funding. From 1 June 2026, MediSave withdrawal limits for HIV treatment will rise from S$550 to S$850 per month.

The policy aims to help patients fund long-term antiretroviral therapy and improve HIV treatment access.