HIV cases rising in Sri Lanka; Colombo, Gampaha record highest numbers

Colombo, July 13 (Daily Mirror) - HIV infections are on the rise in Sri Lanka, with Colombo and Gampaha reporting the highest number of cases, Consultant Community Physician Dr. Sathya Herath said.

Speaking at a media briefing at the Ministry of Health today (13), Dr. Herath said the number of reported HIV cases has increased steadily since 2023, with more cases being detected among men than women.

She said unsafe sexual practices remain the main mode of HIV transmission, while sharing needles, syringes and other injecting equipment among drug users also contributes to the spread of the virus.

Dr. Herath stressed that HIV cannot be completely cured and that those infected require lifelong treatment and regular medical follow-up.

Furthermore, she said the National STD/AIDS Control Programme has launched a special mobile clinic programme in Colombo and Gampaha to improve the detection of HIV, sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and hepatitis. 

The pilot programme, launched in January, offers free and confidential screening, counselling and treatment services.

Although Sri Lanka continues to record a relatively low HIV prevalence compared with many countries, the number of newly reported cases has been increasing each year, Dr. Herath said.

“Reports show that HIV cases have gradually increased from 2023 onwards, with this year’s figures already higher than last year’s. Colombo and Gampaha continue to report the highest numbers, largely due to their larger populations,” she added.