The number of people infected with HIV in Sri Lanka has doubled, says the Director of the National STD and AIDS Campaign, Dr. Rasanjali Hettiarachi.
Dr. Hettiarachchi noted that 148 infected people were identified in the first two quarters of last year, and in comparison, the number has increased to more than its double, 342 within this year.
Specialist Dr. Hettiarachchi mentioned that the highest number of patients have been identified from Colombo and Gampaha districts.While 25 people between the ages of 18-25 were reported last year, over 50 within the same age group have been recognized as HIV patients this year, she said.
Even among the youth, she said that higher numbers have been reported among men, which is 30, which includes several schoolchildren as well as University students.
Moreover, Dr. Hettiarachchi said that around 14 university students with HIV have been identified, while two among the identified are Buddhist monks.
Dr. Hettiarachchi stated that the lack of proper sex education in schools as well as lack of understanding of the disease has caused for this situation.(NewsNow)
