HIV and STIs on the rise in Lanka

Sri Lanka is witnessing a continued rise in HIV infections, alongside a sharp increase in other sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including syphilis, hepatitis B and hepatitis C, health experts have warned.

Consultant Venereologist Dr. Nimali Jayasuriya, President of the Sri Lanka College of Sexual Health and HIV Medicine (SLCoSHH), said HIV cases had been increasing since 2023, with the upward trend continuing into 2026.

Addressing a media briefing organised by the Ministry of Health and Mass Media on Wednesday (14), she said Sri Lanka had maintained effective control over HIV and other STIs until 2021, but the COVID-19 pandemic had disrupted prevention and control programmes.

She identified increased internet access, the economic crisis, drug use and a rise in injecting drug use as factors contributing to the growing number of infections.

HIV cases were being reported across all age groups and professions throughout the country, with Colombo recording the highest number, she said.

Men accounted for a significantly higher proportion of reported infections, with approximately seven male cases for every female case, Dr. Jayasuriya added.

She identified unprotected sexual activity among men who have sex with men as a major factor in HIV transmission, while warning that infections associated with injecting drug use were also emerging as a growing concern.

The increase in other STIs was equally worrying, she said, noting that annual syphilis cases had risen from around 80 to 100 before 2021 to approximately 1,500.

Hepatitis B cases reported in 2026 had doubled compared with the previous year, while hepatitis C cases had increased approximately fourfold in 2025, she said.

Despite the rising numbers, Sri Lanka continued to provide free HIV treatment, including newer medicines with fewer side effects and simplified treatment regimens, Dr. Jayasuriya said.

However, she stressed that existing prevention and public awareness programmes remained insufficient to address the growing public health challenge.

Meanwhile, the SLCoSHH announced that its 31st Annual Academic Sessions would be held from October 29 to 31 at ITC Ratnadipa in Colombo, in collaboration with the British HIV Association.

The conference will focus on advancing sexual health and HIV medicine through collaboration and innovation.