Sri Lanka logs 485 HIV/AIDS cases and 43 deaths in first nine months

• 13 per cent increase in HIV/AIDS cases
• 80 cases belong to 15-24 age category

By Sheain Fernandopulle

Sri Lanka has experienced a dramatic surge in HIV/AIDS cases by the end of September this year. According to the National STD/AIDS Control Programme, Sri Lanka has logged 485 reflecting about a 13 per cent increase compared to the corresponding period in 2022, which saw 427 cases. 

Out of the cases reported up to September, 72 males and seven females fall within the age range of 15-24, while the remaining cases are individuals above 25 years old.
The male-to-female ratio of reported HIV cases in 2023 stands at 8.7:1.

The second quarter (April-June) marked the highest number of cases reported in a single quarter since 2009.
Furthermore, 2023 has so far reported 43 deaths related to HIV/AIDS.

Meanwhile, Sri Lanka has officially reported 10 HIV cases among the transgender community, while a total of 4,095 males and 1,391 females have contracted HIV thus far since 2009.

• The male-to-female ratio of reported HIV cases in 2023 stands at 8.7:1.
• 2023 has so far reported 43 deaths related to HIV/AIDS