How to Prevent AIDS in Sri Lanka: Condom Use is Imperative
The
official statistics places Sri Lanka amongst the low HIV prevalent countries in
the world, but that does not give reason to ignore awareness campaigns and
measures on how
to prevent AIDS. This disease is caused due to HIV infection,
so protected sex is imperative. You can use Durex
Thin Feel condoms for extra sensitivity and heightened pleasure, while also
ensuring safe sex. Despite the low statistics in Sri Lanka, there is high
evidence of HIV spread.
The Growing Risk
Data from The National AIDS Prevention Programme
says that only a mere 1,800 HIV cases have been reported. Even if we factor in
the undetected cases, the overall figure might not cross 4,000. However,
experts say that strict laws and social customs are coming in the way of
preventive campaigns amongst the high-risk groups. So, even 4,000 HIV cases in
a population of 20 million seems like a tough task to manage. Why?
Studies show that HIV is rounding-up Sri Lanka’s high-risk groups. This is the warning sounded by the Sri Lanka National HIV Strategic Plan 2013-2017. The report stated that, “Certain socio-economic and behavioural factors noticed in the country may ignite an epidemic in the future.” The SLNHS Plan rounded up the high risk group to include:
1. Sex between male partners – gay and bisexual men
2. Youth partners – aged between 15 and 25
3. Intravenous drug users
4. Offspring of HIV infected parents
5. Commercial sex workers
In fact, the nation already sees an increase in the infection amongst the high risk groups. Condom use is the only way to reduce such spread.
Awareness Barriers and Prevalence Statistics
Social activists working to spread awareness amongst the high-risk groups face both social and legal barriers. The law of the land looks at drug use and homosexuality as a criminal offence. This makes it difficult to work with a vast majority of the LDBT community. The same is true for transgender individuals and commercial sex workers. Safe sex education cannot be communicated effectively to these people since they hide behind social barriers.