New pledge to be aware of HIV/AIDS
View(s):By Sunimalee Dias
The Lanka Business Coalition on HIV and AIDS on Wednesday unveiled their pledge campaign in Colombo aimed at increasing awareness among the general public of working with people with AIDS.
Though Sri Lanka still continues to be at a low level of the HIV epidemic as it is present in less than 0.1% in 2011 and estimated 4,200 people are living with AIDS, local authority statistics indicate.
| Snapshot of HIV/AIDS in Sri Lanka
-Prevalence rate: less than 0.1% in 2011 -Estimated number of people with HIV in 2011: 4200 -Cumulative HIV cases in 2012: 432 -Cumulative AIDS-related deaths in 2012: 283 -More HIV positive men than women in all age groups except -20% of all cases found in 35-39 year age group -Estimated number of female sex workers in Sri Lanka: -Estimated number of female sex workers in Colombo: 8332 -Estimated number of female sex workers in Anuradhapura: |
However, it was observed that at the end of 2012 the reported numbers of cumulative AIDS cases and AIDS-related deaths were 432 and 283, respectively.
Deputy Health Minister Lalith Dissanayake addressing the gathering said the government aims at achieving a zero level of those getting infected by the epidemic this year by increasing awareness.
He pointed out that currently there has been considerable funding given in this regard locally and through other international organisations assisting and in this respect, he pointed out that Reckitt Benckiser assisting in the process was commendable.
Today, school children were also increasingly made aware of the epidemic and its consequences that have resulted in most of them participating in campaigns on writing on the subject.
It was pointed out that neighbouring India was having a high prevalence of the AIDS epidemic, and in this context the deputy minister feared for its spread following increased business contacts and travel between the two countries.
Health Ministry STD Division Consultant Dr. K. Buddhakorala said that most males and females ended up having STDs of sexually transmitted diseases or HIV due to faith and complacency.
In this respect, he pointed out that they should be increasingly protective of themselves stating that “it should always be a protected relationship.”
Reckitt Benckiser with its brand Durex has partnered with LBCH to create workplace awareness among the leading corporate with the objective of scaled participation and support for the cause, Reckitt Benckiser Managing Director Rahul Murgai said.
At the conclusion of the event the Deputy Minister and other invitees walked up to the pledge board to sign on it to show their interest in creating more awareness about the epidemic.
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