Cultural traditions, quality education keep HIV prevalence low -Health Minister

Cultural traditions, quality education keep HIV prevalence low -Health Minister
http://www.dailynews.lk/2007/08/15/news27.asp
Nadira Gunatilleke

COLOMBO: Sri Lanka’s cultural heritage, traditions, high quality education, and free health service stand behind low prevalence of HIV/AIDS which is the lowest in the Asian region, said Health Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva.

The Minister was addressing a press briefing at the Government Information Department yesterday in connection with the Eighth International Congress on AIDS in Asia and the Pacific. We should strive to continue this status but it is a challenge, he said.

Sri Lanka won the opportunity in 2005 in Kobe to host the Eighth ICAAP in Colombo defeating several countries. Chinese Deputy Prime Minister is also expected at the inauguration. Over 2000 foreign delegates from 70 countries will participate in this congress.

The delegates coming to Sri Lanka have to pay the registration fee of USD 500.

A 25 member delegation comes from Australia which implemented a travel advisory against Sri Lanka in the past. 67 delegates from China, 109 from India, 37 from Japan, 27 from the United States and 14 from the UK will participate in this congress, he added.

These delegates will see how we maintain the lowest HIV/AIDS prevalence rate in the region and exchange experiences and expertise. A country having 1.5 million expatriate work force, HIV AIDS prevention is very important to Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka is also having IDPs, construction sites where workers travel from outstations and these reasons also should be considered. De Silva said 85 per cent of political leadership is already educated on HIV/AIDs and arrangements have already been made to educate the religious leaders on this. Steps will be taken to include HIV/AIDS education in school syllabuses soon.

The number of people coming for voluntary testing have increased significantly due to awareness campaigns and free medicine available for AIDS victims, he said.