AIDS deaths increasing

More than 4,500 HIV cases and 24 AIDS deaths were reported in Sri Lanka in the first six months of this year, with victims increasing, health officials disclosed this week.

In the first quarter of 2016, approximately 2,377 cases of HIV were reported, with nine AIDS deaths, and in the second quarter more than 2,400 HIV cases were reported, with 14 deaths reported.

The number of AIDS patients was increasing, the National STD/AIDS Control Programme (NSACP) said. Most HIV patients are aged between 25 and 45 years, NSACP Director Dr. Sisira Liyanage said.

Sri Lanka was at risk for a full-blown AIDS epidemic, he said, due to factors such as 35 per cent of the population living below the poverty line, the migration of males from rural home areas to urban areas and other countries in search of work, the trafficking of women and girls into prostitution, structured commercial sex and casual sex with non-regular partners and the low status of women causing an inability to negotiate safe sex.

HIV/AIDS was spreading among sex workers because of low condom use and the high prevalence of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Every year, estimates of detected STI cases in Sri Lanka vary from about 60,000 to 100,000, of which only 10 to 15 per cent are reported to government clinics.

Sri Lankan Representative for United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Mr. Alan Sibenaler told a media briefing on Friday that condoms use would be promoted among high-risk groups.

Unsafe sexual behaviour on television, social apps and online dating results in a much higher turnover of sexual partners, increasing the risk of AIDS, Dr. Prageeth Premadasa, NSACP Senior Registrar in Venerology said.

The lack of resources is also a concern. Currently, there is only one STD clinic in each district.

For assistance, contact the Colombo Central STD Clinic on 011-2667163, 011-2696433.