Minister of Mass Media and Health Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa has raised concerns over a growing trend of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) and HIV among adolescents and young adults in Sri Lanka.
According to the Minister, recent data shows a significant increase in the risk and prevalence of STIs among school-going children and university students compared to previous years. The government has already taken note of the alarming situation.
"There is a noticeable increase in sexually transmitted diseases, specifically HIV and STIs, among adolescents and young people compared to past years," Dr. Jayatissa stated. "Following discussions with the relevant unit of the Health Ministry, a number of affected school and university students have been identified."
In response to the findings, a high-level government intervention has been initiated. Dr. Jayatissa noted that he has discussed the matter with the Prime Minister and the Minister of Children's Affairs to coordinate a multi-sectoral response to curb this trend. He added that several affected youths revealed they had fallen victim to these infections due to a lack of awareness.
In a related development concerning youth well-being, Consultant Psychiatrist Dr. Chaminda Weerasiriwardena has warned that excessive addiction to social media and digital screens could pave the way for drug abuse in children later in life.
Dr. Weerasiriwardena explained that prolonged addiction to digital screens alters the chemical composition of the brain. These neurological changes, he warned, significantly increase the vulnerability of children to being drawn toward illicit substance abuse as they grow older.
