Sri Lanka records highest HIV cases in single quarter: Close to 250 cases so far this year

By Sheain Fernandopulle

Sri Lanka has experienced a dramatic surge in HIV/AIDS cases during the second half of 2024, marking the highest number of cases logged in a single quarter since 2009.

According to the National STD/AIDS Control Programme, Sri Lanka has seen 214 new HIV cases, reflecting an 18 per cent increase compared to the previous quarter in 2023, which saw 181 cases. The second quarter ranges from April to June.

Of the cases reported in the second quarter, 28 males fall within the age range of 15-24, while the remaining cases are individuals above 25 years of age.

The male-to-female ratio of reported HIV cases in 2023 stands at 7:1

Furthermore, the second quarter has reported 11 deaths related to HIV/AIDS.

So far, a total of 448 HIV cases have been reported in 2024, which is a clear increase compared to the corresponding period of last year, which saw 346 cases.
Meanwhile, a total of 4,643 males and 1,472 females have contracted HIV thus far since 2009.