Migration-linked promiscuity causes HIV spike

Migration for work and risky sexual behaviour have sent up HIV rates in young men.

Every week an average five HIV positive cases have been detected among the “most at risk population”, the Health Ministry’s AIDS Surveillance data shows.

Dr. G. Weerasinghe of the National STD/AIDS Control Programme (NSACP) said there have been 127 HIV positive cases reported so far this year – 95 males and 32 females.

The spike in infection has been among homosexuals (MSM – males having sex with males) in the sexually active group of 19-24 years.

Dr. Weerasinghe attributes this to migration for work within and outside the country forming a new class of people who indulge in non-monogamous sexual activity.

Contributory factors to the rise in infection include multiple partners, unsatisfactory condom use and anal sex. “This is risky behaviour and unknowingly they pass (HIV) on to their wives and girlfriends,” Dr. Weerasinghe said.

Cumulative HIV positive cases in women as at the end of June stand at 889, with 194 of them having developed AIDS.

The NSACP is particularly focused on AIDS education programmes among those engaged in homosexual activity, carrying out targeted intervention through identified MSM organisations. As it is difficult to identify this group due to the cultural stigma 150 peer education personnel have been trained to spread the message to their friends, encourag- ing them to visit clinics and get themselves tested. From 2011, the NSACP has tested 3,600 homosexuals for HIV

The World Health Organisation estimated in 2010 that there were 24,000-37,000 homosexuals in Sri Lanka.

Migration within Sri Lanka and emigration to Middle Eastern countries has removed urban and rural folk from their traditional and social settings, opening them up to unsafe sexual practices involving multiple sexual partners and casual/commercial sex.

The NSACP, in partnership with the UNAIDS programme, is aiming to have 90 per cent of vulnerable groups targeted, diagnosed and put on anti- retroviral ( ART) treatment. The official target date is 2030 but Sri Lanka hopes to defeat AIDS by 2020.

When positive cases are identified they are now put on ART immediately unlike previously when treatment commenced only when the immune system began to slow down.

Millions of condoms are being distributed through clinics and NGOs. Education and awareness programmes are also conducted among female sex workers.

The NSACP is hoping to work closely with the Foreign Employment Bureau (FEB) on HIV prevention and is conducting workshops with the International Migration Organisation for those leaving for work in the Middle East.

The NSACP is also planning to introduce a health service package that will include an HIV test to migrant workers on their return.