Sri Lanka logs highest HIV cases in single quarter

29 August 2023 12:00 am Views - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}} 16 Bookmark

A A A

Dramatic rise in HIV cases
39 percent increase compared to second quarter of 2022
13 deaths in second quarter

By Sheain Fernandopulle

Sri Lanka has experienced a dramatic surge in HIV/AIDS cases during the second half of 2023, marking the highest number of cases reported in a single quarter since 2009.

According to the National STD/AIDS Control Programme, Sri Lanka has recorded 181 new HIV cases, reflecting a nine percent increase compared to the previous quarter in 2023, which saw 165 cases. The second quarter ranges from April to June.

This also represents a significant 39 percent increase compared to the second quarter of 2022, which had 130 cases.

Out of the cases reported in the second quarter, 26 males and three females fall within the age range of 15-24, while the remaining cases are individuals above 25 years old.

The male to female ratio of reported HIV cases in 2023 stands at 8.1:1.

Furthermore, the second quarter has reported 13 deaths related to HIV/AIDS.

Meanwhile, Sri Lanka has officially reported 10 HIV cases among the transgender community, while a total of 3,968 males and 1,379 females have contracted HIV thus far since 2009.

According to Dr. Janaki Vidanapathirana, Director of the National STD/AIDS Control Programme, there has been a significant rise in HIV cases in 2023.

Speaking to the Daily Mirror, Dr. Vidanapathirana stated that a total of 346 HIV cases have been reported this year, marking a noticeable increase compared to the previous year.

Dr. Vidanapathirana also expressed concern that the number of cases may continue to rise in the coming months.

She attributed the increase to several factors, including the expansion of testing capacity, a lack of knowledge about sex education among the public, risky sexual behaviors, and a failure to take necessary precautions.

"It is crucial for individuals to be aware of the risks associated with HIV and to take appropriate measures to protect themselves. The National STD/AIDS Control Programme continues to work towards raising awareness and providing necessary resources to combat the spread of HIV," she added.

Comments - 16

Joseph Tuesday, 29 August 2023 10:36 AM

It will rise as LGBTQ is being promoted in sri lanka. This acts should be banned and now understand its a mental illness.

0 0

Roisin Tuesday, 29 August 2023 11:14 AM

Sri Lanka will never develop because of ignorant people like you. People who insult the LGBTIQ community are usually men who are very insecure about their own sexual orrientation.

0 0

Gabriel Tuesday, 29 August 2023 12:00 PM

Well said i totally agree with you, it is a mental illness.

0 0

S. Samarakoon Tuesday, 29 August 2023 10:58 AM

Minister Diana's Night Economy will aggravate this scenario more..... with Canabis added.... Hilarious indeed..... Wonder of Asia !!

0 0

Cion Tuesday, 29 August 2023 11:29 AM

This will hit the tourism industry badly and issuance of visas to lankans.

0 0

A kindhearted person Tuesday, 29 August 2023 11:55 AM

It is not only LGBTQ. get HIV infection. Those who have sex with infected persons and those do not use safety measures can get. infected. Even for who do get infected, there are medicines which can keep the disease under control. High death rates show that the education and support is not adequate. Destruction of economy and health services by greedy politicians may also be a strong factor responsible for the increase of death rates.

0 0

Curse from West Tuesday, 29 August 2023 01:07 PM

No wonder with Samanalayas shouting for legislation to approve LGBTQ group. Monkey pox, HIV, rise, is there any surprise? Western groups are all smiling having got us in their trap.

0 0

Dr. Thambugala Tuesday, 29 August 2023 01:46 PM

There is no scientific evidence to prove that HIV is a sexually transmitted infection. Even the HIV test is a lie.

0 0

Sam Silva Tuesday, 29 August 2023 06:55 PM

Did you get a correspondence course to become a doctor. Your ignorance is written in your comments.

0 0

DOT Tuesday, 29 August 2023 02:58 PM

Please do not blame tourists!

0 0

joshua Tuesday, 29 August 2023 03:27 PM

It will increase as we get screwed by the politicians.

0 0

Janet R. Rajapaksha Tuesday, 29 August 2023 04:57 PM

As the most sucessful country in south Asia fro birth control, campaign began in early 70s under the directions of global family planners now falling to the syndrome. It said condoms are the best preventive measure but in case of emergency quality pills available made in Germany. No way an analysis can be made A-Z for viruses but knowing the outcome of LMNOPQ "R" shall keep it under control.

0 0

TJ Tuesday, 29 August 2023 07:24 PM

Unfortunately, this article does not provide sufficient details for the learned reader community to have a constructive dialogue, by providing essential demographic, social, and cultural details related to recent contractions or if there is any difference between social segments that got exposed to Aids in the past and now. Obviously, education and knowledge on Aids are by and large established fact, All students since 80s to present taught on Aids at school, thus social knowledge on Aids is pretty adequate as the parents and teachers of the present generation themselves have gone through the education unlike some brand-new recent outbreak like Covid or more contemporary issue such as "digital autism ", it is not entirely true the reason is lack of education. Therefore please be good to follow up on the matter and publish a more informative article in the near future.

0 0

Kandane Pala Wednesday, 30 August 2023 03:42 AM

Cheap Hippy tourists bring those with drugs! Where do they stay? What do they eat? Diana and Harin must check for HIV too!

0 0

k Friday, 08 September 2023 01:41 PM

@Joseph - The same metal illness you have or what?

0 0

nish Friday, 22 December 2023 05:27 PM

unfortunately these kind reports just pre structured paragraphs edited with new facts but nothing informative to society regarding what to do or what to implement. suggestion to implement prep in any pharmacy, easy access to young population. implement access to treatment from private hospitals. why they cant do? just bcz this is a golden chicken they take egg by egg daily for NGO benefits .

0 0

Add comment
Comments will be edited (grammar, spelling and slang) and authorized at the discretion of Daily Mirror online. The website also has the right not to publish selected comments.