The Global Fund has expressed that the HIV/AIDS control programme in Sri Lanka has achieved progress in 2016.

The Global Fund spends a considerable amount of money in the areas of control of HIV/AIDS and malaria in Sri Lanka. A progress review discussion was held with this regard with the participation of the Secretary to the Global Fund for Sri Lanka and the Minister of Health, Hon. Dr. Rajitha Senarathe.

It was also noted that in comparison, the HIV/AIDS control programme in Sri Lanka has not progressed on par with other South Asian Countries. The main reasons for the spread of HIV/AIDS in Sri Lanka are the sex trade related to tourism industry and the HIV infected homosexuals.  The Global Fund agreed to provide funds to control this state, improve laboratory services and educate the public.

Further, discussions were made to launch a public awareness campaign to eradicate tuberculosis from Sri Lanka.  Secretary to the Global Fund for Sri Lanka has made these observations on tour of inspection of the Northeastern and Southern provinces. The Global Fund expressed it’s pleasure in the overall progress achieved by Sri Lanka in the heath sector.