Sri Lanka reports rising HIV cases
COLOMBO ‒ Sri Lanka has recorded a steady annual increase in HIV infections, with the highest number of cases continuing to be reported from the Colombo and Gampaha districts, a senior health official said on Monday (13).
Dr Sathya Herath, Community Consultant in Sexually Transmitted Diseases, addressing a media briefing at the Ministry of Health, said the number of HIV-positive cases detected has increased since 2023, with men accounting for the majority of reported infections.
She said unprotected sexual intercourse remains the primary mode of HIV transmission in Sri Lanka, while high-risk sexual behaviour and the sharing of needles, syringes and other equipment used for intravenous drug use also contribute to the spread of the virus.
Dr Herath stressed that although HIV can be effectively managed with treatment, it cannot be completely cured. Individuals diagnosed with the virus require lifelong clinical monitoring and continuous antiretroviral treatment to maintain their health.
She noted that those infected at a young age are likely to remain on treatment for the rest of their lives.
To improve early detection and reduce transmission, the Ministry of Health’s National STD and AIDS Control Program (NSACP) has launched a pilot mobile clinic program targeting the Colombo and Gampaha districts.
The program, introduced in January this year, offers screening for HIV, other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and hepatitis, with the two districts selected due to their high population density and elevated risk of transmission.
Dr Herath said all services provided through the mobile clinics are free of charge and are conducted with the informed consent of participants while safeguarding their privacy and dignity.
She also assured that all test results are treated with strict confidentiality, noting that individuals diagnosed with HIV or other sexually transmitted infections are referred to the National STD and AIDS Control Program for free counselling, medical advice and treatment.
-ENCL
Comments are closed, but trackbacks and pingbacks are open.