Rapid rise of HIV/AIDS cases reported in the Puttalam district

Chief Medical officer of the Halawatha District Hospital, Rohan Amarajeewa has expressed serious concern over the rapid rise in the number of reported HIV cases in the Puttalam District.

Dr. Amarajeewa made this statement since the Puttalam District which was placed third on the list of the highest number of HIV/AIDS patients in the country is now closing in on the second place.

“A special walk has been organised in Halawatha this year in a bid to raise awareness on the disease” said Dr. Amarajeewa.

Reportedly, at least 2400 people have been diagnosed with HIV/AIDS while over 3500 people are suspected of having contracted the disease.

Dr. Amarajeewa lamented over the fact that two people had died in the Puttalam district due to this disease.

“One patient died since he did not undergo proper treatment while the other succumbed to death since he was diagnosed with the disease when it was at a haemorrhagic stage” he said.