New HIV cases fell by 15.3% in the first half of 2026, but infections among non-Mauritians more than doubled. Heterosexual transmission remains the leading reported category, while men and people aged 25–34 account for the largest shares of cases.

Mauritius recorded 244 new HIV cases between January and June 2026, representing a 15.3% decline from the 288 cases reported during the same period in 2025, according to the latest data from Statistics Mauritius.

However, the overall decline masks a sharp increase in cases among non-Mauritians, highlighting a contrasting trend in the country’s HIV statistics.

The data show that 201 of the new cases recorded in the first half of 2026 involved Mauritians, down from 268 during the corresponding period last year. This represents a 25% decrease.

In contrast, new cases among non-Mauritians more than doubled, rising from 20 in the first half of 2025 to 43 during the same period in 2026 — an increase of 115%.

The 43 cases recorded among non-Mauritians in just six months have already exceeded the 42 cases reported in this category throughout 2025.

533 Cases Recorded in 2025

Annual figures underline the continued public health significance of HIV in Mauritius.

The country recorded 533 new cases in 2025, comprising 491 Mauritians and 42 non-Mauritians.

While the latest figures indicate a reduction in new cases among Mauritians, the rise among non-Mauritians stands out as a significant development in the first half of 2026.

The figures, however, reflect reported cases and do not, on their own, establish the reasons behind the contrasting trends.

Heterosexual Transmission Remains the Leading Category

Heterosexual transmission continues to account for the largest share of reported HIV cases among Mauritians.

According to Statistics Mauritius, cases in this category represented 53.8% of the total in 2025, increasing slightly to 54.2% between January and June 2026.

ALSO READ: Kenya Confirms First Imported Bundibugyo Ebola Case as Patient Dies 

https://dailyobserver.ng/posts/kenya-confirms-first-imported-bundibugyo-ebola-case-as-patient-dies

Meanwhile, the proportion of cases associated with drug use declined from 37.1% in 2025 to 29.3% in the first half of 2026.

These percentages show how reported cases are distributed across transmission categories. They do not necessarily indicate changes in the absolute number of infections within each category.

HIV Testing and Positivity Rate

Mauritius conducted 52,249 HIV tests in the first six months of 2026, compared with 100,017 tests throughout 2025.

The reported HIV positivity rate also declined, falling from 0.53% in 2025 to 0.47% in the first half of 2026.

The lower positivity rate is consistent with a smaller proportion of positive results among those tested. However, the figures should be interpreted alongside testing coverage and other epidemiological indicators when assessing the wider HIV situation.

Men and Young Adults Account for the Largest Shares

The demographic breakdown shows that men accounted for 65.7% of all new HIV cases recorded between January and June 2026.

People aged 25 to 34 formed the largest age group, representing 29.8% of reported cases.

ALSO READ: Nigeria Confirms Ebola Case in Abuja, 44 Contacts Placed Under Surveillance 
https://dailyobserver.ng/nigeria-confirms-ebola-case-in-abuja-44-contacts-placed-under-surveillance

The figures highlight the importance of continued public awareness, accessible testing and prevention services, and targeted health information for populations most represented in the reported data.

Although Mauritius recorded fewer new HIV cases overall in the first half of 2026 than in the same period last year, the increase among non-Mauritians remains a notable concern.

The latest statistics provide a snapshot of reported HIV cases during the period. Further information would be needed to establish the factors driving these changes and determine whether the trends will continue in the second half of the year.