Colombo (LNW): Marking an increase of the number of people living with HIV (PLHIV) compared to the previous year, 485 new infections of HIV have been identified in the past few months this year, disclosed Dr. Janaki Vidanapathirana, Director of the National STD/AIDS Control Programme (NSACP).
“The estimated number of HIV cases in Sri Lanka for this year is 4,100. Between January 1st and the end of September this year, we identified 485 new cases of HIV. This reflects an increase compared to the previous year. Our efforts have been enhanced through collaborations with non-governmental organisations. It’s noteworthy that 80 per cent of these cases are reported among men, particularly in the age group of 15 to 49 where HIV infections are increasing the most,” Dr. Vidanapathirana told media.
The national HIV response has established 40 STI clinics under the NSACP across the island, and HIV self-testing kits can be delivered through the Know4Sure app for at-home HIV testing, she noted.
She added that in conjunction with World AIDS Day on December 1st, the NSACP has launched a special campaign to educate the public.
“Most of our programmes are concentrated in the Colombo and Gampaha districts, as these areas have the highest vulnerability. The core message under the theme ‘Let Communities Lead – prevent AIDS’ is to encourage people to get tested for HIV and know their status. Throughout the island, there are 40 national STD clinics available under the National STD AIDS Control Programme. We also provide the option to use the Know4Sure app for at-home HIV testing.”
