Sri Lanka continues to record an increase in HIV infections, with health experts warning that sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including syphilis, hepatitis B and hepatitis C, are becoming major public health concerns.
Consultant Venereologist Dr. Nimali Jayasuriya, President of the Sri Lanka College of Sexual Health and HIV Medicine (SLCoSHH), said HIV cases have been increasing since 2023, with the upward trend continuing into 2026.
Speaking at a media briefing organized by the Ministry of Health and Mass Media on October 14, she said Sri Lanka had maintained effective control of HIV and other STIs until 2021, but the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted prevention and control efforts.
She identified increased internet access, the economic crisis, drug use and the growing number of people injecting drugs as factors contributing to the rise in infections.
Dr. Jayasuriya said HIV cases are being reported across all age groups and professions throughout the country, with Colombo recording the highest number of cases.
She also highlighted that men account for a significantly higher proportion of reported HIV infections, with approximately seven male cases recorded for every female case.
According to Dr. Jayasuriya, unprotected sexual activity among men who have sex with men remains a major factor in HIV transmission, while infections linked to injecting drug use are also emerging as a growing concern.
She further warned of a sharp increase in other sexually transmitted infections.
Syphilis cases, which previously numbered around 80 to 100 annually before 2021, have increased to approximately 1,500 cases per year.
Hepatitis B cases reported in 2026 have doubled compared to the previous year, while hepatitis C cases increased approximately fourfold in 2025, she said.
Despite the concerning trends, Dr. Jayasuriya said Sri Lanka continues to provide free HIV treatment, including newer medications with fewer side effects and simplified treatment regimens.
She stressed that existing prevention and awareness programs remain insufficient to address the growing public health challenge.
Meanwhile, the Sri Lanka College of Sexual Health and HIV Medicine announced that its 31st Annual Academic Sessions will be held from October 29 to 31 at ITC Ratnadipa in Colombo, in collaboration with the British HIV Association.
The conference will focus on advancing sexual health and HIV medicine through collaboration and innovation. (Newswire)
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