Health Minister Geela Ali stated today that 22 individuals have newly tested positive for HIV in the Maldives this year, and that the disease has largely spread due to engaging in unsafe sexual intercourse.

In response to a question posed by "Mihaaru Mihaaru" at a press conference held at the President's Office, the minister stated that blood transfusion recipients and drug users are individuals at risk for HIV. She added that essential tests are conducted and safety measures are taken before blood is transfused into patients.

The minister noted that the majority of those who tested positive for HIV contracted the disease through unsafe sexual intercourse.

"Even now, due to engaging in sexual intercourse without complete protection, the most common mode of transmission for a disease spreading from one person's body to another is among those who have contracted the disease in the Maldives," she stated.

The first case of HIV in the Maldives was detected 35 years ago in 1991. After that, numbers averaged between 3 and 6 per year before seeing a record number of individuals testing positive for HIV this year.

The minister stated that people will be made aware of these issues by looking at the rate of disease spread.

"The Maldives is still noted globally as a low-prevalent country. Meaning, only 0.01 percent of the population is still exposed to and detected with HIV," the minister stated.

Geela also stated that treatments and counseling required for individuals who test positive for HIV are provided, and that this work is carried out sustainably.