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An estimated 5000 HIV positive cases in Sri Lanka
Sunday, 26 March 2006 - 2:46 AM SL Time
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More than 3,500 delegates from ever 60 countries in Asia and the Pacific are expected to participate in the 8th International Congress on AIDS in Asia and the Pacific to be held at the BMICH from August 19 ' 23, 2007.
This four-day congress, which will bring together politicians, government officials, medical experts, academics, people living with HIV/AIDS, community workers and the media will discuss a wide range of issues, with regard to this deadly epidemic confronting this region, it was announced at a news conference last week.
Seven regional congresses have been held so far, from the inaugural summit in Canberra, Australia in 1990. It was followed in New Delhi, India (1993), Chiang Mai, Thailand (1995), Manila, Philippines (1997), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (1999), Melbourne, Australia (2001) and Kobe, Japan (2005). The eighth venue, Colombo, Sri Lanka, is the first occasion where a top level summit on this topic is taking place in a low HIV prevalent country.
`Compared to the rest of the region, the number of people living with HIV in Sri Lanka is relatively low. While the reported number of people living with HIV is nearly 750, with approximately 200 having gone on to develop AIDS, it is estimated that about 5,000 people may be living with HIV in Sri Lanka,` said Dr. Athula Kahandaliyanage, Director General, Healthcare Services, who represented Health Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva, who couldn`t attend due to other official engagements.
`However, the authorities with the support of the UN, INGOs and local NGOs are conscious that the country cannot be too complacent, because it has a low prevalence status. Every effort is being made to create awareness on HIV/AIDS and provide treatment and care to those who have been infected and affected,` he said.
`At the last ICAAP meeting in Kobe in 2005, one of the critical points made was that the epidemic in Asia and the Pacific is spreading at a faster rate than in Africa, rapidly expanding in East Asia, particularly China, and that if this continues, it is possible that the total number of HIV infected people in the region will reach around 20 million in 2010,` Dr. Kahandaliyanage said.
It was noted that the epidemic which used to spread through groups who practice high risk behaviour, such as estate workers.
IDUs (injecting drug users) and MSM (men who have sex with men) had spread increasingly among the breeder population, including young people.
The 8th ICAAP is organised and presented by the Ministry of Health on behalf of the Government of Sri Lanka, with the support of UNAIDS, UN Agencies, based in Colombo, and a string of NGOs and community based workers.
The theme of the 8th ICAAP is `Waves of Change, Waves of Hope.` Prof. A. H. Sheriffdeen, co-chair, 8th ICAAP speaking on the theme, said that Waves of Change signify many things happening, while taking into account achievements in the past and creating goals for the future. It also implies the need for much more work. The perpetually changing face of HIV/AIDS demands a unilateral and dynamic response. It calls for empowering people, especially women, who are at the greatest risk of contracting the virus. But, like the ebb and flow of waves, the work required to battle HIV/AIDS can be adapted to suit communities and cultures across the globe.
`With global commitment, come the Waves of Hope. Commitment bring on additional changes and each positive step taken, like a ripple-effect, spells progress. With every wave comes the expectation of another.
The waves keep coming, they are ceaseless. Thus progress initiate responsibility in people, simultaneously renewing hope. Hope is an intrinsic character of human life. It is inexhaustible. The progress made with on-going HIV prevention efforts and increasing access to treatment and care, encourage everyone, to strive harder..... and there is evidence to indicate that HIV does give in to concerted intervention,` he noted.
`The 8th ICAAP will give the opportunity to share their experiences and discoveries, and then take back to their own countries, a renewed plan to deal with HIV/AIDS, in an all embracing global version. Like individual waves merging on the horizon,` there is always hope.
Dr. Sheriffdeen said that the theme was the product of a senior journalist, Faizal Samath.
In his closing address and vote of thanks, Bradman Weerakoon said that dealing with AIDS in Asia and Africa will need committed leadership and the building of strong partnerships among all stakeholders involved.
`I trust that the 8th ICAAP will provide a platform and the impetus, to significantly reduce the current gap between promise and fulfilment. The UNGASS Declaration of Commitment on HIV/AIDS will be our common purpose, fusion and change,` he said.
A presentation on AIDS in Asia and the Pacific was made by Marina Mahathir, International Liaison Officer, 8th ICAAP.
A presentation on Role of AIDS Society of Asia and the Pacific. (ASAP) was made by Prof. Myung-Hwal Cho, President (ASAP).
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AnuD
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26 Mar 2006 03:03:33 GMT Report for Abuse
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This should be the result of tourism.
But, I don't here that Mr. Anura Bandaranayake is active in solving this problem or he ever talked about a such a problem.
He only wants to go overseas to promote tourism. How come.
When people see him, they will not give us aids (not HIV-AIDS) thinking we are a developed country with high obesity. |
romeot
Joined: Apr 2005
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26 Mar 2006 16:24:14 GMT Report for Abuse
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Looking at HIV prevalence and rates or new infections across the globe it's heartening to see that the spread of HIV is very low in Sri Lanka. Though tourism is a possible source for the spread of HIV I believe that educating people about preventing the spread of HIV is the key factor to keeping HIV numbers low. It is by choice that people become promiscuous or drug users. Properly educating the masses about ways of reducing the risk of is crucial for keeping low HIV numbers.
India has the highest prevalence of HIV after Africa. Even though HIV numbers are low in Sri Lanka I think the the government and NGO's should step up programs to educate people, especially high risk groups, about ways to prevent the spread of HIV.
Edited By - romeot - 26 Mar 2006 16:25:51 GMT |
petijo1
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26 Mar 2006 16:36:59 GMT Report for Abuse
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This is because of the cultural disaster, infidelity, adultery, fornication. Our people follow the modern abominable culture.
'The wages of sin is death' the saying of many religions. |
DrAkai
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26 Mar 2006 17:00:09 GMT Report for Abuse
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Its a pity the number has rien steadily but that cannot be totally blamed on bad behavioural patterns of individuals who were in the receiving end. Some of these people have nothing to do with sexual intercourse or anything but get the virus enters from other means which we are not open to see and convince. Its a pity that we often blame for these victims rather than finding how they have received it.
As a developing nation our boys and girls must be educated pertaining to sexual affairs irrespective of Hetero/Homo sexuality. Only by awareness we can bring the numbers down rather than blaming the patients. Blaming and labeling would only cause more harm to those patients than anything better. Lets get to nitty-gritty of this and play the cards properly. Lack of knowledge and wisdom is worse than the biggest enemy you face. |
Abdulsalaam
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26 Mar 2006 17:32:38 GMT Report for Abuse
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Anud
What you said about Anura Bandaranayake:
'When people see him, they will not give us aids (not HIV-AIDS) thinking we are a developed country with high obesity
Thats a nice one Anud
petijo1
Well said. I agree with you totally |
KURAL
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26 Mar 2006 18:27:55 GMT Report for Abuse
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DrAkai,
Majority of infected persons are not innocents.
They should assume their acts.
Maybe 0.1 % are innocents. |
DrAkai
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26 Mar 2006 18:53:43 GMT Report for Abuse
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Kural,
Most of these people who have been affected are not purposely got affected by inclination. There are various reasons behind it, mainly economis reasons as we all know.
We must contemplate on the trends of the youngsters, the vulnerables why and how. Only either professional education or communal education of such avenues can bring the awareness to keep away from such things happening. For many such diseases we know there are preventive methods that can used. Especially those who are in immediate danger of catching this virus can be made to attend those communal awareness programmes.
Nobody wants to risk their life knowingly and its our society that should be given to act a prominent role in it.
You cannot blame tourism all the time despite there is a considerble percentage that has knock-on effect on HIV on it. By educating on sexually transmitted diseases and sexual behavioural patterns (safe sex etc.) youngsters will lead them to be careful of them selves. Their lives should be made to show their value in the society rather conside them as a useless rotten bunch.
These communal awareness programmes can be held in coastal areas where more people are vulnerable to affect. This should be a collaboration between Ministry of Education and Health together. |
KURAL
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26 Mar 2006 20:00:22 GMT Report for Abuse
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DrAkai,
It's a problem of society.
Too much Liberty = Too much Pain ... |
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