In response to a significant increase in HIV infections among youth aged 15-24, Sri Lankan health authorities have reportedly stepped up testing efforts.
Consultant Venereologist Dr. Vino Dharmakulasinghe from the National STD/AIDS Control Programme noted an increase, particularly among males, with the Western Province being heavily affected.
He also claims that extensive interventions and awareness campaigns have been launched to combat this trend.
In 2023, more than one million HIV tests were conducted, and a significant number of positive cases are said to have been detected at various testing sites.
Despite a rise in self-testing, clinic visits have decreased, prompting calls for more clinic-based testing for accuracy.
Appointments for tests can be booked at https://know4sure.lk/assessment/201.
The first quarter of 2024 saw 207 new HIV/AIDS cases and 13 deaths, marking a 25% increase from the same period in 2023.
Source – dailymirror.lk
