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The following
are excerpts from his speech:
“It is interesting to note that AIDS affects less
than 0.1 per cent of Sri Lanka’s population, among
high risk groups, it affects less than one per cent.
The latest statistics show that up to May 2007, a grand
total of 872 persons had been diagnosed as HIV positive,
of whom 220 had developed AIDS and 162 had died.
“Comparatively
small as this figure is in the international context
of this great menace, we will not pat ourselves on our
backs. For, every death is one too many. Every victim
is one too many. Yet, it is important and encouraging
to note that as experts see it, Sri Lanka will not have
a general epidemic of HIV AIDS in the country, although
it has all the factors normally conducive to a high
escalation of AIDS victims.
“Internationally
it is important that speedy action is taken to ensure
that the drugs to combat this major hazard are readily
available to those in need. The new drugs that are being
developed should be readily available to the people
who are in need as well as to governments. This should
not be and undue strain on latter's budgets especially
in the less develop or poorer countries of the world.
“The threat to the well – being of humanity
posed by HIV AIDS is such that it is necessary to re-think
established policies with regard to patents and ownership
of essential drugs and think in terms of more liberal
policies that are based on the needs of the people.
“My government
has given the highest priority to the improvement of
the health of our people. By way of example, the budgetary
provisions for health have been increased to ensure
a better quality of care to the people of Sri Lanka.
The health gains that Sri Lanka has seen, as evidenced
by the improving health indicators, are a result of
the positive social security measures undertaken by
successive governments such as free health care and
free education. Provision of free care and treatment
to all those living with HIV is the policy of my government.
Prevention and control
of HIV AIDS, the care and treatment of people living
with HIV, their welfare and that of their families and
children, the upholding of their rights, the elimination
of stigma and discrimination, will continue to receive
the highest priority from the government.”
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