Present HIV Situation

In Sri Lanka there are 958 HIV+ reported cases as at end 2007 and  the current estimated number of people infected by HIV/AIDS is 5000.  The national response to HIV/AIDS in Sri Lanka has been a focus on creating awareness on STIs and HIV/AIDS  and providing medical care for PLWHA though the National STD & AIDS Control Program (NSACP) that was launched in 1992. While the program still needs to penetrate many areas, NGOs have come forward to duplicate their role as well as look into the needs of PLWHA. One such NGO, Lanka +, the only registered NGO for HIV/AIDS in Sri Lanka, run by PLWHA and for over 100 PLWHA has become a haven and only source of hope for the past 5 years.

 

The objectives of Lanka + are guided entirely by the requirements raised by its membership through the various workshops and meetings that are conducted regularly. In addition to requiring medical and emotional support, its members have continuously requested the development of an income generation scheme as they are unable to secure employment due to discrimination and the stigma attached to PLWHA as well as financial support to continue the education of their children as they are discriminated through lack of access to education. These services are not provided by any other organization in Sri Lanka.