Public urged to get tested after ‘sudden rise’ in HIV cases
The public has been urged to make sure they know their HIV status after a recent spate of new cases of the virus in Bermuda.
Kim Wilson, the Minister of Health, said in the House of Assembly that as of December 31, 2025, it was estimated that there were 306 people were known to be living in Bermuda with HIV.
She said that while the number of new HIV cases has generally been low, with about ten new cases diagnosed per year, there had been a “concerning shift” recently with four new cases reported in the last four weeks.
Ms Wilson said: “This sudden rise underscores the urgent need to intensify awareness efforts, expand access to testing and strengthen prevention strategies to flatten the up-tick in transmission.
“We must act quickly, compassionately and collectively. Getting tested is one of the most important steps anyone can take to be certain of their HIV status.”
She added: “Many people with HIV may not show symptoms for years, but testing allows individuals to take control of their health and protect others.”
Ms Wilson said that June is Human Immunodeficiency Virus Awareness month, and the Ministry of Health will hold several events to raise awareness, encourage testing and address stigmas associated with HIV.
She noted that antiviral therapy can reduce the level of HIV in a patient’s blood to the point where it is undetectable.
Ms Wilson said: “When a person reaches and maintains an undetectable viral load, they cannot transmit HIV to their sexual partners.
“This is a powerful message of hope and a cornerstone of modern HIV prevention. This is also why getting tested and starting treatment early is so critical to the health of an individual, to ending the spread of the virus entirely.
“Certain factors can increase vulnerability to HIV transmission, including limited access to healthcare, lack of information and social or economic barriers. Our focus must remain on supporting all individuals at higher risk, without stigma, judgment or exclusion.
“That is why at the Hamilton Health Centre, free and confidential testing is available. I strongly encourage everyone, regardless of age, background or perceived risk to get tested regularly.”
Behaviours known to increase the likelihood of transmission include having unprotected sexual contact, sharing needles and having other sexually transmitted infections which allow the virus to more easily enter the body.
Ms Wilson said that stigma is considered one of the largest barriers preventing people from getting tested, noting that while some groups are more frequently affected by HIV because of social factors, the virus does not discriminate.
She added: “We must foster a national dialogue that is open and honest. Providing our young people and the population at large with accurate information about safe sex and healthy relationships gives them the tools they need to protect themselves and others.”
Ms Wilson urged the public to learn their status, practise safe sex, seek accurate information about HIV from trusted sources, support those living with HIV and replace fear and stigma with facts and compassion.
• To read the minister’s statement in full, see Related Media
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