Sri Lanka HIV cases surge, despite decline in global cases

• Global HIV down 40%, Sri Lanka up 48%
• Sharp rise in cases among 15–24 years  
• Record HIV surge puts Sri Lanka on high alert  

By Sheain Fernandopulle   

While the world has made major progress in reducing HIV, Sri Lanka is moving in the opposite direction, according to the latest data.  

Globally, new HIV infections fell by 40% in 2024 compared to 2010. However, the UNAIDS, Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS notes that the rate of decline varies sharply by region and Sri Lanka stands out for the wrong reasons.  

The country recorded a 48% increase in estimated new HIV infections during the same period signalling rising HIV transmission.  

Sri Lanka reported 824 new HIV cases in 2024, the highest ever recorded in a single year, continuing an upward trend seen over the past decade.   Furthermore, current estimates show that around 5,700 people are living with HIV in the country.   

Despite this growth, the overall HIV prevalence among the general adult population remains below 0.1%.  

Data from 2010 to 2024 reveal a steady and significant escalation in reported HIV cases from 121 cases in 2010 to 824 in 2024.  

Men continue to account for the overwhelming majority of infections as cases among males over 15 years rose more than nine-fold, from 76 in 2010 to 722 in 2024.   Young people have also seen a notable increase. Reported infections among those aged 15–24 years climbed from 13 in 2010 to 115 in 2024. The most striking rise occurred among males aged 20–24, where cases jumped from 10 to 91 over the period.