Newly released figures show that 95 people were diagnosed with HIV in New Zealand in 2024, continuing a downward trend in new local transmissions, particularly among men who have sex with men (MSM). However, public health experts are urging continued vigilance, citing persistent ethnic inequities and new concerns such as the first perinatal HIV transmissions in New Zealand in more than 15 years.
The University of Otago’s HIV Epidemiology Group, funded by the Ministry of Health, confirmed that locally acquired infections among MSM have dropped by 46% since 2010—a promising sign—but this decline is not evenly shared across all communities.
“The 2024 HIV statistics show that locally acquired HIV amongst gay/bi guys continues to show a recent decline but the decline has been mostly in European men whereas the number in other ethnic groups of gay/bi men has either increased or stayed the same,” Executive Director of Body Positive, Mark Fisher, told YOUR EX.
Among the 53 MSM diagnosed in 2024, only 15% were European, while higher proportions were reported among Asian (32%), Māori (30%), Pacific peoples (11%), and Latin American (11%) men. This disparity signals a need for better-targeted outreach and services.
“We need to increase our efforts in awareness, testing, and prevention nuanced to the people in need,” Fisher added.
Dr Sue McAllister, who leads the Otago-based HIV Epidemiology Group, echoed this, stating that, “It is important to ensure culturally appropriate prevention and testing services are available to men who have sex with men of all ethnicities.”
Key Stats at a Glance:
- 95 new diagnoses in NZ in 2024 (78 men, 13 women, 4 transgender women)
- 53 diagnoses among MSM, with 38 acquiring HIV in New Zealand
- 166 people were notified with HIV who were first diagnosed overseas
- 2 babies born with perinatally-acquired HIV – the first such cases since 2007
- 28 people were diagnosed with AIDS, with 71% diagnosed within three months of HIV diagnosis, indicating late testing
A Growing Migrant Impact
Another shift in the data relates to increasing diagnoses among people who were first diagnosed overseas. In 2024, 166 such notifications were recorded, the majority of whom were from Asia (31%), Africa (30%), and Latin America (12%). According to the report, 87% had undetectable viral loads, meaning they are on effective antiretroviral therapy and cannot transmit the virus sexually.
“Immigration to New Zealand has increased, and this trend is reflected in the number of people living with HIV migrating here. They are predominantly healthy and undetectable on arrival and are then supported to engage in care to stay healthy,” Fisher noted.
A Stark Reminder: Perinatal and Late Diagnoses
One of the most alarming statistics from the 2024 data is the diagnosis of two babies with perinatally-acquired HIV—the first such cases since 2007.
“These were born to mothers not known to have HIV before or during their pregnancy,” the report states, highlighting the critical need for universal antenatal HIV screening.
Fisher expressed concern that late diagnoses are also becoming more common:
“We have an increasing number of people diagnosed with AIDS within three months of their HIV diagnosis. Both this and the perinatal cases highlight the need for people to engage in HIV testing early to know their status.”
Progress, But the Goal Is Still Far Off
New Zealand’s National HIV Action Plan aims for a 90% reduction in locally acquired HIV cases by 2030, compared to 2010 levels. However, the current reduction sits at just 31%.
“This is a clear call to action,” said Dr McAllister. “Condom use, regular testing, PrEP uptake, and STI screening must continue to be supported across all communities.”
As the country edges closer to its 2030 target, health advocates agree that inclusive, culturally sensitive, and early intervention strategies will be key to closing the remaining gap and ensuring equity in HIV prevention and care.
