Singapore recommends adults to test for HIV once in lifetime

Singapore has recommended that all adults aged 21 and older undergo at least one lifetime HIV test due to a recent spike in infections, with 166 new cases reported in 2025.

Singapore on Saturday recommended that every adult aged 21 and older be tested for HIV at least once in their lifetime as there has been a spike in infections last year.

In 2025, there were 166 new cases of HIV reported among Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents, with an incidence of 3.9 infections per 1,00,000 resident population.

This brings the total number of Singapore residents known to be living with HIV to 7,248 as of end 2025, with a prevalence of 172 infections per 1,00,000 resident population, according to a release from the Communicable Diseases Agency (CDA).

''Individuals who engage in at-risk sexual behaviours should go for regular HIV testing every three to six months. HIV self-testing is a quick and convenient way to check one's HIV status,'' the CDA said.

The agency said the number of new cases annually has been gradually decreasing over the years, ranging from 300 to 500 cases from 2009 to 2019, 200 to 270 cases from 2020 to 2023, and declining to fewer than 200 cases annually since 2024.

''While the number of new HIV cases has increased slightly in 2025 compared with the same period the year before, year-on-year fluctuations are expected. CDA will continue to monitor the trend,'' it added.

The CDA, which was launched in 2025 to consolidate the public health functions that detect, prevent and control infectious diseases, said individuals who know their HIV status can receive treatment early and prevent others from getting infected.

HIV self-testing kits have been available for purchase at selected retail pharmacies nationwide since 2025, The Strait Times said.

According to the World Health Organisation, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) attacks the body's immune system and, at the most advanced stage of infection, manifests as Acquired Immuno-deficiency Syndrome (AIDS).

Singapore's CDA said the latest recommendation is in line with the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) 95-95-95 targets for HIV testing, treatment and viral suppression.