Strong family bonds contribute to Lanka’s low AIDS prevalence - Healthcare Minister

Nadira GUNATILLEKE

Sri Lanka remains one of the few countries in the region with a low level HIV percentage. As at end of 2007, the estimated number of people living with HIV was 3500 to 4000 and the number of zero positive cases reported to the National STD/AIDS Control Programme was only 996. Since the adult HIV prevalence is less than 0.1 per cent. Sri Lanka is categorised as a country with a low HIV/AIDS prevalence, Healthcare and Nutrition Minister Nimal Siripala De Silva said.

He was addressing the second Asia Pacific Regional Meeting on universal access to HIV prevention held in Manila, Philippines. Minister De Silva said that transmission through blood and blood products is extremely low (only 2 cases) although several million transfusions have been done as a result of the adoption of a strict blood safety policy and because the Government has regulatory oversight of blood transfusion services.

Minister De Silva pointed out that the male to female ratio of infection is narrowing and feminisation of the epidemic is emerging. Almost 60 percent of females have acquired the infection from their spouses and the rest are migrant workers.

Cultural and Religious background and traditional practices such as extended family bonding have helped in curtailing an HIV/AIDS epidemic.

In addition the practice of monogamy, supportive family values and strong family bonds have contributed to the low prevalent situation.

He stressed that the highest levels of political leadership and commitment for the HIV/AIDS prevention programme are crucially important to maintain the current low prevalence status and President Mahinda Rajapaksa holds the Chair of the National AIDS Council.

The President’s initiative against alcohol and drug abuse and his directives to block Internet pornography helps good behaviour development programmes to reduce the drug user population and maintain the low HIV/AIDS prevalence.

The Minister said that although ARV drugs are very expensive, a continuous supply of free ARV drugs is ensured to HIV infected patients. The Sri Lankan Government has taken the responsibility of supplying ARV drugs free of charge.