Govt. plans mandatory HIV testing for A/L and university students

Tuesday, 8 December 2015 00:01 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Warns of unreported

spread of disease by unidentified carriers, fresh measures

to test donated blood ongoing

In an effort to keep a tab on HIV positive cases and curb the spread of AIDS, the Government will soon start testing G.C.E. Advanced level and the University Students for HIV, Minister of Health, Nutrition and Indigenous Medicine Dr. Rajitha Senaratne told Parliament yesterday.

According to Minister Dr. Senaratne, there are 20 HIV positive school children who are under 15 years of age where this deadly virus was transmitted through their mother.

As per the latest statistics, as at 30 October this year 2,265 HIV positive persons were found in Sri Lanka. This year alone 191 new cases were reported. The Minister responding to a question for oral answer, raised by opposition lawmaker Dallas Alahaperuma said: “There are many unreported cases. Some may have been HIV positive without their knowledge. Because of social stigma some may find it difficult to come forward, knowing they are HIV positive.”