October 16, Colombo (LNW): Dr. Chithran Hathurusinghe, Consultant STD Specialist at Kurunegala Teaching Hospital, revealed that 1,327 AIDS patients were identified in 2023 after testing donated blood samples. This announcement was made during the North Western Province AIDS Prevention Programme, held in conjunction with National AIDS Prevention Day.
Dr. Hathurusinghe expressed concern over the 27% increase in AIDS cases this year, with many patients falling between the ages of 15 and 29. Since 2003, the country has seen a steady rise in HIV/AIDS cases. He emphasized that the spread of HIV can be curtailed if early detection is achieved, with 95% of patients potentially able to reduce the virus to undetectable levels through proper treatment. However, current efforts have only identified 82% of cases.
In addition to AIDS, other sexually transmitted infections, such as syphilis, have also been detected during blood donation screenings. Dr. Hathurusinghe stressed the importance of political support in effectively combating these diseases.
National STD and AIDS Prevention Programme Director, Dr. Vindya Kumarapeli, also addressed the event, alongside healthcare professionals, law enforcement officials, and representatives from voluntary organizations dedicated to AIDS prevention.
