The first case of HIV in the Maldives was reported in 1991. Through mid-2006, 13 HIV-positive cases had been reported among Maldivians (11 male, 2 female) and 168 cases among expatriates. All infections were reportedly acquired through heterosexual transmission. Eleven of the 13 HIV-positive Maldivians developed AIDS; of those, 10 died. Of the 13, 10 were seamen, two were spouses of the sailors, and one was a resort worker.

The Maldives started its AIDS Control Programme in 1987, four years before the first domestic HIV case was reported. The Programme is coordinated by the National AIDS Council, a multisectoral body with representatives from various ministries and NGOs. Activities include public education, peer education, awareness creation, workshops, blood-product screening, and care of people living with HIV and AIDS. Condoms are widely accessible on main islands, and nearly 99 percent of all households are aware of HIV/AIDS. The government carries out a high level of screening, including mandatory screening of all its citizens when they return from an overseas stay of more than a year.UNDP reports that there are few NGOs in the Maldives. Those that are active have provided educational services such as weekly radio programs, peer education, and seminars. WHO and UNFPA have provided funding and technical assistance for HIV/AIDS awareness and prevention programmes. The Government of Italy, through UNDP, funded a drug abuse-prevention program. The UN Theme Group on HIV/AIDS carried out a situational analysis in 2006 of HIV/AIDS in the Maldives in collaboration with the National HIV/AIDS Council and the Ministry of Health in order to increase the multisectoral response.

The Maldives took early action against HIV and, as a result, has so far kept the threat to a minimum. With few resources currently required for treatment, the Maldives has the opportunity to focus on better understanding risk factors, such as sexual practices and drug use. It can also address accessibility to health services and improve action in the ongoing HIV/AIDS programme. This section links you to resources, news, events and organisations working on HIV/AIDS in Maldives.