27 Dead, 44 Living with HIV in Solomon Islands

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A total of 27 people have died from HIV, while 44 are currently living with the virus, the Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) has confirmed.

According to the Ministry, the total number of recorded HIV cases in the Solomon Islands as of September 2025 stands at 74.

The update was revealed during a weeklong HIV Complex Clinical Case Management training for clinicians, conducted by the Australasian Society for HIV, Viral Hepatitis, and Sexual Health Medicine (ASHM Global). The training took place at the National Referral Hospital (NRH) and Honiara City Council (HCC) clinics recently.

Dr. Jackson Rakei, Director of the HIV, STI and Viral Hepatitis Program at the Ministry of Health, said that out of the 74 total cases, 27 patients have died, while 44 are currently living with HIV. Of those living with HIV, 42 are receiving treatment, two are not on treatment, and four have been repatriated to their home countries.

Dr. Rakei also reported that there were 26 new HIV cases as of 30 September this year.

The recent ASHM Global training focused on new treatments, prescribing practices, case management, and identifying workforce support needs. It also included clinical mentoring to strengthen knowledge sharing and capacity building across the health sector.

“This training is a timely and important step in strengthening HIV response capacity in the Solomon Islands,” said Dr. Rakei. “Equipping our clinicians with current knowledge and practical skills is essential to improving care and reducing transmission. We are grateful for ASHM’s continued support and collaboration.”

He added that, in light of the recent surge in HIV cases and the emergence of advanced HIV disease and HIV in pregnancy, the training was vital to ensure clinicians are well equipped to manage patients effectively.