Health Minister Nalinda Jayatissa states that an increase in the number of new HIV infections may be recorded this year compared to the previous year. He further noted that this rise in HIV cases is believed to be directly linked to parties organized via social media platforms like Facebook.
He also mentioned that health authorities have expressed concern that the number of new HIV cases reported this year could surpass the total figure of 874 recorded last year.
“The number of cases reported last year has not yet been exceeded this year. However, health authorities anticipate that the number of new HIV cases could surpass last year’s figure,” he said.
Mr. Jayatissa stated that an increase in new HIV infections has been observed, particularly among young men who use drugs. He also remarked that some of these cases may be linked to parties organized through social media. The Minister stated this at the weekly media briefing held to announce Cabinet decisions.