Anbar health directorate denies social media claim of 92 HIV cases in Fallujah

ANBAR – The Anbar Health Directorate has denied social media reports alleging that 92 HIV cases have been recorded in Fallujah, calling the claim false and aimed at stirring public panic.

In a statement, the directorate said, “We categorically deny what has been circulated on some social media pages regarding the existence of 92 HIV cases in Fallujah district. This information is completely baseless.”

It said individuals or groups spreading such claims would be held legally accountable under Ministry of Health regulations.

Iraq’s HIV prevalence remains low, with the World Bank estimating a rate of 0.1 percent among adults aged 15 to 49. As of 2024, health authorities have recorded 2,638 HIV/AIDS cases nationwide.

Earlier this month, the Kurdistan Regional Government’s Ministry of Health said 87 new HIV cases were recorded in the region during the first 11 months of 2025. In a statement, the ministry said 64 of the new cases involve “foreign residents and individuals from outside the region,” while 23 cases are among Kurdistan Region residents.