By Sarah Hannan
The amount of confirmed HIV-positive cases in Sri Lanka is gradually increasing with the prevalence being high among males in the age group of 19-25 years, the National STD/AIDS Control Programme (NSACP) revealed.
Infections are on the rise, said NSACP Director Dr. Rasanjali Hettiarachchi.
“The diagnostic test data from the clinics of the National STD/AIDS Control Programme islandwide records that this deplorable condition has shown a gradual increase in recent times. According to the scientific projections, Sri Lanka should have eliminated HIV by 2020. However, with new cases being reported over the past months and not many youths getting tested for HIV due to the stigma, this may be causing the spread of it,” Dr. Hettiarachchi told The Morning.
She also said that society itself should pay attention to another special issue, noting that although 3,600 infected people were required to register with the NSACP clinics for treatment, only 2,000 are currently registered.
She pointed out that the remaining 1,600 people may be interacting with others in society without even knowing they are infected, and that healthy people may also be infected because of them.
Dr. Hettiarachchi therefore urged everyone to come to the clinics and undergo free blood tests to rule out infection. She also said that a special programme will be implemented from this month onwards to create public awareness of the potential effects of contracting HIV or AIDS and the precautions one could take to prevent themselves from contracting the virus.Increase in HIV-positive cases: Youth urged to do blood tests
01 Sep 2020
Increase in HIV-positive cases: Youth urged to do blood tests
01 Sep 2020
By Sarah Hannan
The amount of confirmed HIV-positive cases in Sri Lanka is gradually increasing with the prevalence being high among males in the age group of 19-25 years, the National STD/AIDS Control Programme (NSACP) revealed.
Infections are on the rise, said NSACP Director Dr. Rasanjali Hettiarachchi.
“The diagnostic test data from the clinics of the National STD/AIDS Control Programme islandwide records that this deplorable condition has shown a gradual increase in recent times. According to the scientific projections, Sri Lanka should have eliminated HIV by 2020. However, with new cases being reported over the past months and not many youths getting tested for HIV due to the stigma, this may be causing the spread of it,” Dr. Hettiarachchi told The Morning.
She also said that society itself should pay attention to another special issue, noting that although 3,600 infected people were required to register with the NSACP clinics for treatment, only 2,000 are currently registered.
She pointed out that the remaining 1,600 people may be interacting with others in society without even knowing they are infected, and that healthy people may also be infected because of them.
Dr. Hettiarachchi therefore urged everyone to come to the clinics and undergo free blood tests to rule out infection. She also said that a special programme will be implemented from this month onwards to create public awareness of the potential effects of contracting HIV or AIDS and the precautions one could take to prevent themselves from contracting the virus.Kapruka
Discover Kapruka, the leading online shopping platform in Sri Lanka, where you can conveniently send Gifts and Flowers to your loved ones for any event. Explore a wide range of popular Shopping Categories on Kapruka, including Toys, Groceries, Electronics, Birthday Cakes, Fruits, Chocolates, Automobile, Mother and Baby Products, Clothing, and Fashion. Additionally, Kapruka offers unique online services like Money Remittance, Astrology, Medicine Delivery, and access to over 700 Top Brands. Also If you’re interested in selling with Kapruka, Partner Central by Kapruka is the best solution to start with. Moreover, through Kapruka Global Shop, you can also enjoy the convenience of purchasing products from renowned platforms like Amazon and eBay and have them delivered to Sri Lanka.Send love straight to their heart this Valentine's with our thoughtful gifts!
Discover Kapruka, the leading online shopping platform in Sri Lanka, where you can conveniently send Gifts and Flowers to your loved ones for any event. Explore a wide range of popular Shopping Categories on Kapruka, including Toys, Groceries, Electronics, Birthday Cakes, Fruits, Chocolates, Automobile, Mother and Baby Products, Clothing, and Fashion. Additionally, Kapruka offers unique online services like Money Remittance, Astrology, Medicine Delivery, and access to over 700 Top Brands. Also If you’re interested in selling with Kapruka, Partner Central by Kapruka is the best solution to start with. Moreover, through Kapruka Global Shop, you can also enjoy the convenience of purchasing products from renowned platforms like Amazon and eBay and have them delivered to Sri Lanka.Send love straight to their heart this Valentine's with our thoughtful gifts!