The Ministry of Health has clarified that the 20 positive results reported on 9 October refer to sexually transmitted infection (STI) laboratory samples and should not be interpreted as 20 new HIV cases.

The Ministry says laboratory results must be reviewed, verified and linked to individual patient records before they can be confirmed and reported as individual HIV cases. It also stresses that the detection of HIV in local communities does not indicate a sudden outbreak.

The Ministry’s latest figures list 22 registered HIV cases, seven HIV-related deaths and 15 active cases.

The public is encouraged to practise safer sex, get tested when appropriate and seek advice from local health facilities. The Ministry also urges people to rely on official information and avoid spreading rumours or stigmatising people living with HIV.