15–20 new HIV cases detected annually in Northern Cyprus

On average, 15 to 20 new HIV cases are registered in Northern Cyprus every year. This was reported by infectious disease and clinical microbiology specialist Dr Emre Vudalı.

According to him, since 1997, when the first HIV case was identified in the country, 178 HIV-positive residents of the TRNC have been registered. Currently, 168 people are under observation and receiving treatment. Since the beginning of 2026 alone, the Ministry of Health has received information about 13 new cases.

Vudalı noted that the virus is most often detected in people aged 20 to 40. According to him, the number of cases among young people has been rising over the past four years, while figures are declining in many European countries thanks to prevention and public awareness efforts.

The specialist stressed that modern therapy enables people living with HIV to lead full lives. He also urged people to stop stigmatizing HIV-positive individuals and to get tested regularly, especially those belonging to at-risk groups.

Vudalı also dismissed rumours circulating on social media about an HIV outbreak in the Lefke area, stating that no one had gone to hospital for testing because of suspected contact with the infection.