Sri Lanka is witnessing a worrying increase in HIV infections, with men accounting for the vast majority of new cases, the National STD/AIDS Control Programme said.
Health data shows that 200 new HIV cases were recorded in the second quarter of 2025, following 230 cases in the first quarter—the highest quarterly figure reported since 2009.
Officials say the current male-to-female infection ratio of 7.6 to 1 highlights a clear male-dominant trend in HIV transmission.
Between April and June, 21 patients were aged 15 to 24, while the remainder were over 25, raising concerns about both youth vulnerability and adult exposure.
So far this year, 23 HIV/AIDS-related deaths have been reported, following 47 deaths in 2024. Sri Lanka has documented 6,759 HIV cases since 2009.
In response to the continued rise, health authorities have proposed introducing HIV and STI prevention education into the national school curriculum, including lessons on condom use, PrEP, and PEP.
The proposal remains under government review as public health experts stress the urgency of strengthening preventive measures to curb further spread.
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