HIV - AIDS actual number unknown - CPA survey

Shirley Wijesinghe

COLOMBO: According to recent statistics from the Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD) Clinic in Sri Lanka, there are currently 712 people in Sri Lanka living with HIV/AIDS.

Furthermore, there are probably countless others who are simply unaware that they were infected. As a result, the actual number of people living with HIV/AIDS is unknown although it is estimated by UNAIDS to be 3,500, an official of the Centre for Policy Alternatives (CPA) revealed these statistics according to the their research study carried out in year 2005.

Today, the people living with HIV/AIDS have to deal with being infected by an immune system destroying virus and also facing more condemnation and isolation of the society. The fact is HIV/AIDS could not be transmitted by casual behaviour and there was no risk of living, working, or studying with someone living with HIV/AIDS.

But the people of Sri Lanka bear a negative mentality on HIV/AIDS patients,to be buried. This mentality was generated in people's minds because the people were infected by this viral disease mostly due to their misbehaviour and misconduct.

The research study analyzed the people's thoughts generally. The study assisted with a questionnaire,was drafted after consultation with a steering committee comprised of Nigal de Silva Lank Plus, Shirman de Rose, Companions of Journey, Janet Leno UNAIDS, Nynke Kuperus UNDP, and Dr. Paikiasothy Saravanamuttu,CPA and members of the social indicator of CPA and the research was for the Asia Pacific Leadership Forum(APLF).