Sri Lanka still maintains the lowest HIV/AIDS prevalence in South East Asia which is less than 0.01.
“Sri Lanka cannot be satisfied and rest because this is a result of hard work which should continue, strengthened and expanded,” Health Services Director General Dr. Palitha Mahipala said.
Addressing a press briefing at the Health Education Bureau Auditorium, in Colombo yesterday, he said that 2,436 HIV/AIDS cases had been reported from Sri Lanka so far from the day the first cases were detected in 1987. “The government provides free ARI treatment for HIV/AIDS affected persons. There are 52 major clinics, 930 clinics and 22 temporary clinics conducted by the staff of those 30 clinics) countrywide which offers services to conduct free blood tests and other services. The clinics also offer free condoms,” Dr. Mahipala said.
According to Dr. Mahipala, sex education should be included in the school curriculum and the Education Ministry has a huge task ahead of it.
