UNAIDS to commemorate World AIDS Day AIDS is out there

3 November 2015 06:30 pm Views - 1812

In an attempt to arrest the transmission of HIV and AIDS, the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) have been organising many programmes to raise awareness among the general public. 

Over the years, several cases of HIV/AIDS have been reported and this has alarmed many international organisations to take action and educate people on the transmission of HIV and ways and means of mitigating it.

Speaking at a media workshop to inform the masses about the latest statistics about the spread of HIV, Dr. Sisira Liyanage, Director of National STD/AIDS programme said that people need to get treatment as soon as they were diagnosed with the disease. 

“If they don’t take necessary care they will be vulnerable to other diseases, since their immune system becomes very weak. Compared to last year, more people have shown an interest in getting an HIV test done. On many occasions people have been educated about the methods of transmission and therefore they need to take necessary steps to cut down risks. We have also identified some vulnerable groups such as migrant workers, prisoners and the youth. The vulnerable age group is between 25 and 40 and there is also an indication that those between 15 and 24 too have a tendency of acquiring the virus.”
In his comments about the spread of HIV, Dr. Dayanath Ranatunga, Country Manager, UNAIDS Sri Lanka said that it is high time that people get their tests done. 

“We are able to provide advanced check-ups and necessary treatment if one is diagnosed with HIV. Out of the 3,600 people who are identified as having HIV, only 1,700 can be traced. Out of this number, only 644 are getting treatment. Therefore many of them are still out there.”

The World AIDS Day falls on December 1 and as part of their programme, UNAIDS Sri Lanka will join hands with the Beetle Owners Club of Sri Lanka to commemorate this day. An estimated two hours drive will be organised, which will comprise of approximately 50 VW Beetle cars with HIV/AIDS related awareness messages. The main event will be held at the Galle Face Green and it is sure to be a fun-filled and an informative evening for all.

In addition to that, the UNAIDS programme joined hands with the Mitko Family Health Care (Mitko FHC) a social-biz company to launch an online survey to measure sexual behaviour of sexually active people in Sri Lanka. 

This online survey is open to citizens of Sri Lanka- 18 years of age and above and can be accessed by the following link : https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/MMKGDQ7
Pix by Kithsiri De Mel