National AIDS Control Programme Director, Community Specialist Dr. Janaki Vidanapathirana said that 485 HIV AIDS patients have been newly reported in the period up to October 31 this year.
Among this identified group are schoolchildren and those between the ages of 15 to 24 have increased significantly, she said. In 2021, 411 patients were identified and by 2022, the number has increased to 607. That’s a 48 percent increase. She also said that even if the number of infected patients reported is 4,100 in 2022, that number of patients could not be identified.
She said that instead of the several types of drugs that have been used for HIV patients so far, one drug has been developed, so patients can easily use it and should take it daily based on the doctor’s prescription, thereby reducing the number of infected people up to 0.001. She further said that since the Government provides free tests and drug treatment, the hospital health staff will protect the confidentiality of those who engage in risky sexual behaviour to immediately go for a blood test.
Sandhya Karunaratne