Injecting drug use has emerged as a new mode of HIV transmission in Vanuatu, with health officials warning that the development highlights the need for stronger prevention, surveillance and public awareness.

The issue was raised during the National Summit on Border Security and Preparedness for Emerging Drug and HIV Threats in Port Vila, where the Ministry of Health said the country’s HIV epidemiology is changing as illicit drug use becomes an increasing concern.

Communicable Disease Manager Florita Sitobatai said Vanuatu recorded its first HIV case linked to injecting drug use in 2025.

“Unfortunately, last year we recorded our first case linked to injecting drug use. We now have one HIV case associated with drug injection.”

The Ministry of Health says Vanuatu has recorded 22 HIV cases between 2002 and 2026. Of those, seven people have died from AIDS-related illnesses, while 15 active cases remain under monitoring.

“Currently we have 15 active cases. Out of those, seven are male and eight are female.”

According to the Ministry, 66 per cent of active cases are in Shefa Province, 27 per cent in Sanma, and 7 per cent in Tafea. Officials say these figures reflect only people who have been tested and diagnosed and should not be interpreted to mean HIV is absent from other provinces.

Mrs Sitobatai said sexual transmission remains the primary mode of HIV infection in Vanuatu, although the 2025 drug-related case signals an emerging public health concern.

“The modes of transmission among the active cases include mother-to-child transmission, two cases among men who have sex with men, and 11 cases through sexual transmission.”

The Ministry said the emergence of injecting drug use as a mode of HIV transmission underscores the importance of a coordinated national response involving health authorities, border agencies, law enforcement, community leaders, churches and schools.

Health officials also identified increased population movement, limited access to health services, stigma and discrimination, youth risk-taking behaviour and illicit drug activity as factors that could increase the country’s vulnerability to HIV.

The Ministry is encouraging people to access reliable health information, participate in HIV testing and prevention programmes, and seek treatment early, stressing that HIV remains both preventable and manageable with timely intervention.