Male-dominant HIV cases continue to rise

 Over 430 HIV cases in six months 

By Sheain Fernandopulle  

Sri Lanka is witnessing a trend of male-dominant HIV infections, with the majority of newly reported cases in 2025 being among men, according to the latest data from the National STD/AIDS Control Programme.  

According to the National STD/AIDS Control Programme, 200 new HIV cases were reported during the second quarter of 2025 (April–June) alone.  

The first quarter of 2025 saw 230 cases, marking the highest number recorded in a single quarter since 2009.  

Of the new cases reported between April and June, 20 males and one female were within the 15–24 age group, while the rest were individuals above 25 years.  

Furthermore, the male-to-female ratio of HIV cases reported in 2025 stands at a striking 7.6 to 1, indicating that men continue to account for the vast majority of infections.  

So far this year, 23 deaths linked to HIV/AIDS have been reported. In 2024, 47 individuals succumbed to HIV/AIDS, while over one million HIV tests were conducted nationwide.  

Since 2009, Sri Lanka has recorded a total of 6,759 HIV cases, comprising 5,366 males and 1,573 females.  

Amid the rising trend, the National STD/AIDS Control Programme has proposed integrating HIV/STI prevention education—including the use of condoms, Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP), and Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP)—into the school curricular. However, officials said the proposal remains under review and criticism.