The National STD (Sexually Transmitted Disease) and AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) Control Programme have diagnosed 50 university students with HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus).
This startling revelation was made by Director of the National STD and AIDS Control Programme Dr. Rasanjali Hettiarachchi. She said that there are 4 school children and 2 monks also diagnosed with HIV.
The HIV infected among young people between the ages of 18 and 30 has doubled this year compared to last year, Dr. Hettiarachchi said.
During the nine months since the beginning of this year, 342 infected people have been reported.
In the year 1987, the first HIV patient was found in Sri Lanka.
Among the infected people reported so far, there are about 20 priests belonging to various faiths.
She said that since 1987, 4404 infected people have been reported, out of which about 1,000 people have died and about 2,300 people are in need of treatment.
But according to estimates, about 3,700 infected people need to obtain treatment, she added. She also said that around 1,500 HIV infected people are in society without knowing that they are infected.
She also stated that many people can be infected with the virus from them. “People can get HIV from having unprotected sex. Also infections can be prevented by discussing openly about sexual matters with children to empower then with knowledge,” she added.
