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Community programs for AIDS prevention

by Bharatha Malawaraarachchi

The Health Ministry will launch 50 community based programs to prevent the spread of deadly HIV/AIDS, under a World Bank sponsored initiative.

These programs will cover vulnerable groups including sex workers, drug users, Internally Displaced Persons, three-wheeler drivers, Sri Lankan expatriates and beach boys. There are an estimated 7200 HIV infected persons in Sri Lanka.

These programs are implemented under a US$ 12.5 million grant provided by the World Bank for an anti-HIV and TB campaign. Forty two HIV AIDS prevention sub projects have been identified and they will be implemented by Non-Governmental Organisations in the respective districts under the supervision of the Health Ministry. The Memorandum of Understanding in this respect was signed between the Health authorities and NGOs at a ceremony held under the patronage of Director General of Health Services Dr. Athula Kahandaliyanage.

"Even though we have a very low prevalence of HIV/AIDS cases compared to other countries in the region, we have to be more vigilant and alert on this issue," stressed Dr. Kahandaliyanage.

World Bank Country Director Peter Harrold said the community based organisations could play a significant role in fighting HIV/AIDS. "Throughout the world, the World Bank is helping governments to fight this disease," he added.

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