Japan records fewer new HIV carriers and AIDS patients in 2025
The number of new HIV carriers fell by 38 to 624, the lowest in 20 years, while that of AIDS patients dropped by 66 to 266.
Japan recorded fewer new HIV carriers and AIDS patients in 2025, marking a decline from the previous year and the second-lowest count in the past two decades, according to the health ministry. The total number of new HIV carriers decreased by 104 to 890, with the lowest figure in 20 years. Similarly, AIDS patients dropped by 66 to 266, also the lowest in two decades.
Same-sex sexual contact was identified as the primary mode of transmission, accounting for 404 new HIV cases and 139 AIDS cases. Age-wise, individuals in their 20s comprised the majority of HIV carriers, with 219 cases, followed by those in their 30s at 216. Conversely, among AIDS patients, those aged 50 and above had the highest number, with 86 cases, followed by those in their 30s at 73.
The total number of HIV antibody tests conducted fell to 107,083. Furthermore, the number of related consultation cases decreased to 73,359, marking the second consecutive yearly decline.
Written by urgent.news from Japan Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
