Mayor of small town in Manitoba fumes as area sees spike in HIV cases linked to dirty needles

A surge in HIV cases connected to illegal drug use has prompted Swan River Mayor Lance Jacobson to lash out at provincial harm-reduction measures, calling them “ineffective” and demanding urgent action.

Health officials say more than 40 new HIV diagnoses have been recorded in the Swan Valley region since October 2024. 

The Prairie Mountain Health Authority, which includes Swan River, Minitonas, and Benito, has found 41 new cases this year, up from 19 in 2023, and just six in 2022.

Jacobson’s frustration comes from the use of dirty needles. 

He argues that distributing free needles does little to stop new infections. 

“The direction they’re going in right now is not a very successful direction,” said Jacobson. 

“We’ve got people using illegal drugs, leaving needles around, and driving up healthcare costs. It’s unacceptable.”

Public health officials maintain that clean needle distribution remains vital. 

Manitoba’s Deputy Chief Provincial Public Health Officer Dr. Jazz Atwal warns that HIV numbers could be significantly worse without harm-reduction programs. 

“A harm-reduction approach provides clean needles so people can inject safely,” said Atwal. 

“We’ve seen evidence in various jurisdictions that this approach curbs the spread of infections.”

Atwal pointed out that HIV diagnoses in Manitoba have risen significantly over the past several years. 

In 2023, 280 new cases were reported provincewide, representing a 40% increase from the previous year. 

With an infection rate of 19.3 people per 100,000, Manitoba ranks second-highest in the country. 

Officials expect 2024 totals to be similar, driven by changing transmission patterns and widespread injection drug use.

Jacobson wants to see a broader strategy involving mental health supports and enhanced policing. 

He insists the province must assess how taxpayer dollars are being spent, particularly when increased crime and health expenses continue to plague smaller communities like Swan River, with a population of 4,000. 

“We’ve been talking about this for over a year, yet we’re still grappling with the same issues,” said Jacobson.

The province recently allocated nearly $30,000 to health regions for needle cleanup and about $265,000 to fund a new RCMP pilot project in Swan River aimed at cracking down on drug trafficking. 

While Atwal welcomes extra enforcement, he believes harm reduction remains essential. 

“We have to ensure we build trust and compassion, so people feel safe coming forward for testing and treatment,” said Atwal.

Progressive Conservative Health Critic Kathleen Cook said the provincial government is not doing enough to address the addictions crisis. 

“This outbreak highlights the NDP’s misguided priorities on addictions,” said Cook.