Estimate of human immuno deficiency virus infections utilizing the sexual behavioural pattern among selected high vulnerable groups in Colombo district and the explantation for the gap between reported and estimated cases in Sri Lanka.

Abstract

The study concluded that a fertile ground is laid for the spread of HIV infections in Sri Lanka with the high prevalence of risky sexual behaviours such as multiple partners, low level of condom use among the high vulnerable groups and increase in the number of herpes simplex virus infection that promote the transmission of HIV infection.The study revealed that up to now, the HIV infection has not had a measurable impact on mortality. The reason for the present discrepancy among the reported and estimated cases of HIV would be incorrect estimates, low reporting of cases and poor case detection. A sexual behavioural surveillance system, particularly in the FSWs, clients of sex workers and MSMs and a sexual behavour survey among the general population is recommended. The data can be incorporated into the present simulation model to estimate and project cumulative HIV infections in Sri Lanka.The mortality on HIV related deaths and trends in STIs need to be monitored regularly in order to detect an increase in the trends, which will be a signal of an impending epidemic.