A Situation Assessment of Women and Children Infected and Affected by HIV/AIDS in Sri Lanka

Globally, AIDS-related illnesses are the leading cause of morbidity and mortality among women of reproductive age. In areas such as Western and Central Europe and Australia, women account for a  elatively low percentage of people living with HIV. However, in regions such as sub-Saharan Africa, South and South East Asia and the Caribbean, the percentage is significantly high. 

HIV prevalence among women and children is relatively low in Sri Lanka compared to other Asian countries. Some of the factors that may be contributing to the low prevalence of HIV/AIDS among women in Sri Lanka are its cultural context that strongly emphasizes moral values, high literacy level, better health care and increased accessibility to health institutions including those for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and PMTCT initiatives.

However, Sri Lanka is in midst of flourishing economic development and hence multiple social, cultural and economic changes are taking place in the country. In spite of this economic boom, there are certain dangers lurking beneath the surface. Risk of HIV/AIDS can be stated as one such important public health issue especially in relation to women and children.