Good ethics weapon against HIV

Nadira GUNATILLEKE

Doctors and treatment is only one part when it comes to controlling Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) and HIV. Moral and ethical societies build on religious values is the main power and weapon against STDs and HIV, Health Minister Maithripala Sirisena said.

Addressing the National ceremony to mark World AIDS Day held at the Sri Lanka Foundation Institute, Colombo 7 Wednesday, Minister Sirisena said that doctors, treatment and all the other preventive measures come second when it comes to preventing STDs and HIV/AIDS.

What plays a major role is raising awareness in the society and building a moral and ethical society which is based on religious, cultural and social values.

Minister Sirisena pointed out that the war that prevailed in the country for 30 years destroyed everything. It was not only peace which was destroyed by the war.

The war destroyed humanity, truth, justice, ethical existence and the entire country.

It promoted malpractice and corruption. In this back ground all diseases including HIV/AIDS increased, he said.

Diseases increased because of various other reasons such as change of lifestyle, food habits human behavioral patterns, traditions and rituals, change in climate, etc.

Poverty is another main factor which contributes to the bad health and all the other problems.

"I wish to thank International agencies such as the UN and WHO and all the other partners for their support towards Sri Lanka's STD/AIDS control program," the Minister added.