Male-Dominated HIV Infections Rise Sharply in Sri Lanka as 2025 Records Highest Quarterly Cases Since 2009
Sri Lanka is experiencing a worrying surge in HIV infections, with new data confirming that men continue to account for an overwhelming majority of cases reported this year. The National STD/AIDS Control Programme says the trend has intensified in 2025, raising fresh concerns about public awareness and prevention.
A total of 200 new HIV cases were detected during the second quarter of the year (April–June), following 230 cases in the first quarter—the highest number recorded in a single quarter since 2009.
The gender distribution remains heavily skewed. The male-to-female ratio of reported HIV cases in 2025 stands at 7.6 to 1, underscoring that men are disproportionately affected. Among the latest detections, 21 individuals were aged 15–24—20 males and one female—while the majority were over 25.
Health officials also reported 23 HIV/AIDS-related deaths so far this year. In 2024, the country recorded 47 deaths, alongside more than one million HIV tests conducted nationwide.
Since 2009, Sri Lanka has documented 6,759 cumulative HIV cases, including 5,366 males and 1,573 females, highlighting the persistent gender imbalance in infection patterns.
In response to the rising cases, the National STD/AIDS Control Programme has proposed incorporating comprehensive HIV and STI prevention education into school curricula. The initiative would focus on condom use, Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP), and Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP). However, the proposal remains under review, and health authorities acknowledge it is facing criticism and resistance.
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