Gradual Increase in HIV/AIDS in Sri Lanka

Addressing the media in Colombo yesterday, Health Minister Dr. Rajitha Senaratne said Sri Lanka has already eliminated many other diseases such as Polio, Diphtheria, Tetanus, Whooping Cough and Small Fox and is also achieving success in controlling many other diseases. HIV/AIDS shows an increase year by year, he said.

HIV/AIDS is the only disease that shows a gradual increase in Sri Lanka. The current prevalence rate is 0.01 percent which is still the lowest in the region,

According to Dr. Senaratne, arrangements will be made soon to pay special attention towards controlling the increase of HIV/AIDS. The HIV/AIDS Control Programme Director has already been informed to formulate a plan focusing on tourism based areas in the country and foreigners who arrive in Sri Lanka for various purposes including tourism.

He pointed out that Sri Lanka has a world famous health system and local health professionals are internationally recognized. The state free health service in Sri Lanka will be made much better than the private health service in another two or three years.