CDA urges lifetime HIV test for all adults as MOH boosts MediSave support for treatment.

Singapore saw a slight rise in new HIV diagnoses in 2025, but health authorities say the long-term trend remains downward, and are calling on all adults to get tested at least once while expanding financial support for lifelong treatment.

Long-Term Decline, Small Uptick In 2025
The Communicable Diseases Agency reported 166 new HIV cases among Singapore citizens and permanent residents in 2025, up slightly from 151 in 2024. While noting that year‑on‑year fluctuations are expected, CDA said annual new infections have been on a gradual downward path—from 300–500 cases a year between 2009 and 2019, to 200–270 in 2020–2023, and under 200 since 2024. As of end‑2025, 7,248 Singapore residents were known to be living with HIV, a prevalence of 172 per 100,000 residents.

Who Is Affected And How Transmission Occurs
Sexual intercourse remains the main mode of HIV transmission, accounting for 161 of 166 cases (97 per cent). Men made up 160 of the new diagnoses (96.4 per cent), and 107 cases involved men who have sex with men or bisexual men. CDA reiterated that sexual behaviour—such as multiple partners or casual and commercial sex—continues to be the key driver of new infections.

Lifetime HIV Test And Regular Screening For Those At Risk
Beyond avoiding high‑risk sexual behaviour, CDA now recommends that every adult in Singapore be tested for HIV at least once in their lifetime, regardless of perceived risk, as testing is the only way to know one’s status and enables earlier treatment. Those who engage in at‑risk behaviours are urged to test every three to six months. Since 2025, HIV self‑testing kits have been available at selected retail pharmacies, offering a more private and convenient option for regular screening.

Early Treatment And “Undetectable = Untransmittable”
CDA emphasised that with early and effective antiretroviral therapy, HIV can be suppressed to undetectable levels, allowing people living with HIV to lead long, healthy lives. It added that individuals on regular treatment who maintain a consistently undetectable viral load for at least six months have effectively no risk of transmitting the virus to sexual partners, reinforcing the importance of rapid diagnosis and adherence to medication.

Higher MediSave Limits And Expanded Financial Support
At the Singapore HIV, Hepatitis and Sexually Transmitted Infections Congress 2026, Minister of State for Health Rahayu Mahzam announced that from June 1, the MediSave withdrawal limit for HIV drugs will rise from $550 to $850 a month. She said this will ease the burden of lifelong, recurring antiretroviral costs and improve treatment access. Patients can also draw on family members’ MediSave, and continue to receive help through schemes such as the Medication Assistance Fund and MediFund.

While 2025 saw a modest uptick in new HIV cases, Singapore’s broader trajectory is one of fewer infections, better treatment and stronger support. For Indonesians and Singaporeans, the message is consistent: normalise testing, seek early care, and ensure financial and social systems make it possible for people living with HIV to stay healthy and protect their partners.

Sources: Asia One (2026) , CDA GOV SG (2026)

Keywords: Communicable Diseases Agency, 166 New HIV Cases 2025, Men Who Have Sex With Men, Lifetime HIV Test, MediSave Withdrawal Increase