Health authorities are urging the public to use condoms correctly and consistently to reduce the risk of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs), while cautioning against the use of substandard or low-quality condoms.
The advisory is part of initiatives by the National STD/AIDS Control Programme (NSACP) to expand HIV testing and improve access to prevention services.
The NSACP is also encouraging the public to use the KNOW4SURE.LK online platform to access confidential HIV prevention and testing services, including HIV self-test kits, condoms and lubricants.
Dr. Vino Dharmakulasinghe, a specialist at the NSACP, told the Daily Mirror that the digital platform allows people who may be reluctant to visit clinics to access HIV-related services while maintaining their privacy.
Through the platform, users can assess their risk of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections, obtain HIV self-testing services, locate nearby testing centres and book appointments for HIV testing.
“People can use this system to determine their HIV risk and access testing services while maintaining their privacy,” Dr. Dharmakulasinghe said, adding that increased use of the service could help expand HIV testing and facilitate the early detection of infections.
The platform also allows users to confidentially order condoms, lubricants and HIV test kits, providing access to essential prevention and testing products.
Health authorities stressed that condoms must be used correctly and consistently to provide effective protection against HIV and other STIs. They also advised the public to obtain condoms only from reliable sources, as substandard products could compromise their effectiveness.
HIV testing is available free of charge at government clinics, while selected private medical practitioners also provide testing services, generally for a nominal fee.
Dr. Dharmakulasinghe noted that such digital services are particularly important as many high-risk and vulnerable individuals increasingly meet partners through social media and dating applications, but may be less likely to access conventional HIV prevention, testing and treatment services.
