Rise in HIV, STIs among Sri Lankan adolescents

Colombo, July 02 (Daily Mirror) - Health Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa raised concerns over a growing number of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV, among adolescents in Sri Lanka, saying the trend has become increasingly evident among both school and university students.

Addressing the media, the Minister said the risk of HIV and other STIs among adolescents has increased compared to previous years, prompting the government to take urgent measures to address the issue.

"There has been an increase in HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among adolescents compared to previous years. Following discussions within the Ministry of Health, a number of school and university students were identified with these infections," he said.

Dr. Jayatissa said the Ministry of Health is working closely with the relevant authorities to respond to the emerging situation.

He said Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya and the Minister of Women and Child Affairs have also joined discussions on the issue, with coordinated efforts now underway to prevent the further spread of infections among young people.