The Government of Niue (GON) can confirm that two cases of HIV have been identified in Niue this week.
Both individuals are receiving appropriate medical care, treatment, and support from the Niue Department of Health. Public health measures were initiated immediately following diagnosis, including counselling, contact assessment, testing, and clinical follow-up where required.
Minister for Health, Hon. K Sinahemana Hekau, said health authorities are actively managing the situation and that the overall risk to the wider community remains low. "Our Health Team responded quickly following confirmation of these cases. Appropriate treatment and monitoring are already underway, and all necessary public health measures have been put in place. While we understand this news may cause concern, the public can be reassured that appropriate safeguards are in place, and the situation is being closely monitored."
Acting Director of Health, Minerva McCurdy Ikimau shared, protecting public health while supporting those affected remains the Department's priority. "HIV is a manageable medical condition. Modern treatment allows people living with HIV to live long, healthy, and productive lives. Individuals receiving effective treatment can achieve viral suppression, which prevents transmission of the HIV to others. The identified cases are linked within a single household and there is currently no evidence to suggest wider community transmission. Public health investigations undertaken to date have not identified evidence of wider community transmission at this time. The Department of Health will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide updates as appropriate”.
The Niue Department of Health advises that HIV is generally spread through transmission of specific body fluids. HIV is not spread through everyday social contact such as hugging, shaking hands, sharing food and drinks, coughing, sneezing, attending school, workplaces, churches, sporting events, or participating in community activities. Anyone with concerns or would like testing to be done should contact Niue Foou Hospital on phone 4100, or visit the hospital for advice.
The Niue Department of Health confirms that HIV testing capability is available locally and that treatment and ongoing clinical support and counselling are available at Niue Foou Hospital. The Department of Health encourages the public that if you have any questions or concerns, to contact or visit the hospital directly. Members of public are also encouraged to:
• Know your HIV status through testing
• Exercise safe judgement in matters relating to sexual health
• Use appropriate personal protection
• Seek medical advice if they have concerns regarding HIV exposure or transmission.
The Government of Niue also recognises that, in a small and close-knit community, there may be public interest regarding the individuals concerned. "We ask our community to respect the privacy and dignity of the individuals, and to avoid speculation or sharing personal information, including on social media. Support, compassion, and respect are important as they focus on their recovery. The privacy and confidentiality of patients are fundamental principles of healthcare and must be respected."
The Government of Niue acknowledges the professionalism and dedication of the health staff involved in the investigation, testing, counselling, treatment, and ongoing management of these cases. At this time, there is no public health recommendation for members of the public to change their normal daily activities. Schools, workplaces, churches, sporting events, and community gatherings can continue as usual.
As a close-knit community, we are strongest when we remain calm, rely on official information, and support one another with kindness and respect.
The Government of Niue and the Niue Health Department will continue to provide updates should there be any significant developments.
PUBLIC FAQs
What is HIV?
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is a virus that affects the immune system. With modern treatment, people living with HIV can live long, healthy, and productive lives.
How many cases have been identified?
Two cases have been confirmed in Niue. Both individuals are receiving appropriate medical care and support.
Is there a HIV outbreak in Niue?
No. The confirmed cases are linked within the same household. Public health investigations have not identified evidence of wider community transmission at this time.
Is the public at risk?
Based on current information, the risk to the wider public is assessed as low. HIV is not spread through normal day-to-day social contact.
How is HIV transmitted/spread?
HIV can be transmitted through specific body fluids including; breastmilk, blood, semen, vaginal, and rectal body fluids. Transmission occurs when these fluids enter another person’s bloodstream or mucosal membranes.
Can I catch HIV from casual contact?
No. HIV is not spread through everyday social contact such as hugging, shaking hands, sharing food and drinks, coughing, sneezing, sharing of toilets, mosquitoes or insects, attending school, workplaces, churches, sporting events, or participating in community activities.
Do I need to get tested?
Anyone who believes they may have been exposed to HIV, or would simply wish to know their HIV status, is encouraged to visit Niue Foou Hospital and speak to one of our doctors.
What symptoms should I watch for?
If you have any concerns, visit Niue Foou Hospital and speak to one of our doctors.
Is HIV treatable?
Yes. HIV treatment is effective and is available at Niue Foou Hospital. People with HIV receiving the appropriate treatment can live long, healthy, and productive lives.
Should schools, workplaces, churches, sporting activities or events close?
No. There is currently no public health recommendation to close schools, workplaces, churches, sporting activities, or public events.
Why is the Government not providing more information about the patients?
Protecting patient privacy and medical confidentiality is a fundamental principle of healthcare. The Government and the Department of Health will not release information that could identify individuals receiving treatment.
What can I do to help?
• Affected individuals are members of our community. Support them and their families with compassion and kindness.
• Respect patient privacy and confidentiality.
• Avoid unnecessary and harmful speculation, rumours, and spread of misinformation.
• Remain calm and rely on official information.
• Exercise safe judgement and use appropriate personal protection e.g. condoms.
• Know your status! Visit Niue Foou Hospital to speak to one of the doctors and get tested.
