HIV/AIDS escalates amongst Sri Lankan youth

Colombo, Oct 1: The Sri Lankan health ministry on Thursday warned that the number of HIV/AIDS cases was escalating among the youth in the island nation.

Quoting the ministry, sources said health authorities had identified some 160 people diagnosed with HIV-AIDS this year alone, Xinhua news agency reported.

National STD Eradication Unit Director Sisira Liyanage asserted that the majority of these victims were between the age group of 25 and 45.

The ministry said the spread of the disease was also due to the use of drugs, homosexuality and immigration.

Over 228 people diagnosed with HIV AIDS were identified in 2014, Liyanage added.

According to UNAIDS data, as of 2014, the total number of Sri Lankans living with HIV/AIDS was 3,300 and deaths were accounted at 200.

IANS