Sharp Rise in HIV Infections Among Youth
28-Nov-2025.
In the country, 639 HIV-positive individuals have been identified during the current year to date. Last year, 824 HIV-positive cases were recorded, of which 724 were men.
Accordingly, the number of adolescents aged 15 to 24 living with HIV has significantly increased, according to Dr. Madhavi Gunathilaka, Social Medical Officer of the National Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD) / AIDS Control Program.
She made these remarks during a special media briefing held at the Health Promotion Bureau on Wednesday (26) ahead of World AIDS Day on December 1.
Dr. Gunathilaka further noted that according to global HIV/AIDS data released by the United Nations Joint Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), an estimated 5,700 people were living with HIV in Sri Lanka in 2024. The daily number of newly reported HIV cases in the country is rising, with 824 new cases identified last year alone.
Since the first HIV case was reported in Sri Lanka in 1987, a total of 7,168 cases have been recorded to date.
During this year so far, 639 new HIV cases have been identified. Last year, approximately 724 of the identified HIV-positive patients were men. Data from 2010 to 2024 show a marked increase in HIV cases among young people aged 15 to 24.
HIV infection among men has risen significantly compared to women, particularly among men who have sex with men, contributing to the increase in cases. According to data from the STD/AIDS Control Program, 50 people died from HIV last year.
Drug use through shared syringes has also increased within the community, raising the risk of HIV transmission. Globally, new HIV cases have decreased by 40% in 2024 compared to 2010.
However, in Sri Lanka, new HIV cases in 2024 have risen by 48%, primarily due to low awareness of the disease.
In 2010, nine HIV cases were recorded among individuals aged 20–24, whereas in 2024, this number has increased to 91.
The high prevalence of HIV among young people is concerning. In response, the National STD/AIDS Control Program has initiated targeted awareness campaigns for youth in selected areas ahead of World AIDS Day.
