SL reports HIV cases among transgender for the first time

• HIV infections on the rise   
• Children not properly educated on sex   
• Increase in testing led to rise in cases   
• 15 deaths in three months

By Sheain Fernandopulle   

Sri Lanka has recorded HIV cases among transgender people for the first time, according to the National STD/AIDS Control Programme.  Accordingly, nine HIV positive transgender people have been reported within the first quarter of 2023.  

Meanwhile, a total of 165 HIV cases have logged during the period from January to March in 2023. This is the highest number of cases reported in a first quarter since 2009.  Of the total cases, 22 males and three females are in the age between 15-24 while other cases are individuals above 25.   

Commenting on the situation, Dr Janaki Vidanapathirana, the Director at National STD/AIDS Control Programme told Daily Mirror, the increase in testing capacity has resulted in more cases being recorded across the country.    

 “The highest cases are reported from the Western Province,” she said.   

“There is a 43 percent increase in the cases reported in 2022 compared to 2021. This is due to people coming for testing after the lockdown triggered by the pandemic, she added.   
Dr Vidanapathirana also highlighted the importance of properly teaching sex education to children as they have observed a lack of proper  teaching of sex education to children in Sri Lanka.   

Thus, she advised people to choose less risky sexual behaviours and take precautions, such as using a condom to keep HIV at bay.