The Balearic Islands reported 97 new HIV infections in 2024, bringing the incidence rate down to 7.87 cases per 100,000 inhabitants—the lowest level ever recorded since surveillance began in 2003. Despite this improvement, the regional rate remains slightly above the national average of 6.95.

The figures were released ahead of World AIDS Day, observed tomorrow, December 1st, under the international slogan “Zero AIDS deaths by 2030.”

Of the new cases, Mallorca recorded 69, Ibiza and Formentera 23, and Menorca 5. Men were the majority of the newly diagnosed (75), although infections among women doubled compared to the previous year. Among men, the number of cases decreased.

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Balearic Islands report lowest HIV rate on record with 97 new cases

Transmission patterns remain consistent with previous years: men who have sex with men still represent the largest group affected (50 cases), followed by heterosexual transmission (42 cases). Two infections were linked to intravenous drug use, and one case was attributed to mother-to-child transmission. Two additional diagnoses could not be traced to a specific route.

Adults aged 30 to 49 continue to be the most affected age group, representing nearly 60% of all new infections. The data also show an increase in the percentage of newly diagnosed individuals born outside Spain.

Between 2003 and 2024, the Balearic Islands have accumulated 3,325 HIV cases. Despite the long-term burden, the overall trend is clearly downward: the highest incidence was recorded in 2008, with 209 infections and a rate of 19 per 100,000 inhabitants. Since then, the number of new diagnoses has continued to fall steadily.