Objective To investigate the spatiotemporal distribution characteristics of newly reported HIV/AIDS cases aged 50 years and above in Anhui Province from 2015 to 2024, and to provide reference for the AIDS prevention and control measures.

Methods The data of newly reported HIV/AIDS cases aged 50 years and above in Anhui from 2015 to 2024 were collected through the National Health and Disease Control Information System. The GeoDa and SaTScan software were used for spatial and temporal autocorrelation analysis and spatiotemporal clustering analysis.

Results During 2015—2024, a total of 9396 HIV/AIDS cases aged 50 years and above were reported, and the newly reported infection rate showed an increasing trend (χ²=493.84, P<0.001), 77.44% of them were male, the main sources of samples were medical institutions, main route of infection was heterosexual transmission. The incidence was higher in northern area and lower in southern area. Spatial autocorrelation analysis showed significant spatial clustering for the newly reported HIV/AIDS cases aged 50 years and above in all years (Moran's I>0, P<0.05). The "high-high" clustering area was mainly concentrated in some counties and districts of FuYang and BoZhou city before 2021, and shifted over time from the northern region to the central-southern region since 2022. Spatiotemporal scanning detected six clustering areas, and the primary cluster mainly covered 8 counties (districts) in FuYang and BoZhou city from 2020 to 2024.

Conclusion The prevalence of HIV/AIDS cases aged 50 years and above from 2015 to 2024 showed spatial clustering and shifted over time, suggesting that prevention and control measures should be strengthened in key areas.