The event was held at the Courtyard by Marriot on the 26th of June 2023, and was organized by FPA Sri Lanka – SKPA-2 Project and The National STD/AIDS Control Programme (NSACP) of the Ministry of Health. FPA’s SKPA 2 Programme is a Global Fund Multi-country grant that aims to steer countries towards sustainability in HIV services and to improve evidence-informed, prioritised HIV services for key populations in Sri Lanka. '95-95-95' represents global targets; 95% of all people living with HIV to know their HIV status, 95% of all people with diagnosed HIV infection to receive sustained antiretroviral therapy, and 95% of all people receiving antiretroviral therapy to have viral suppression by 2025. 

The Optima modelling report offers a comprehensive analysis of the HIV epidemic, combining epidemiological data, behavioural surveys, and healthcare system analysis. It presents valuable insights into prevalence, incidence, and the barriers hindering prevention, treatment and care. It also attempts to provide a comprehensive understanding of the HIV situation in Sri Lanka and develop effective strategies for addressing this public health challenge.  It was presented by Dr. Kumari Navaratna, Allocative Efficiency Roadmap Consultant of the SKPA 2 Project.   

Click to view: https://www.fpasrilanka.org/sites/default/files/optima_report_-_skpa_2.pdf 


The Panellists were Palitha Vijaya Bandara, PLHIV Activist and Project Manager, Positive Hopes Alliance, Dr. Janaki Vidanapathirana, Director of the National STD/AIDS Control Programme, Dr Mahendran Arnold, Deputy Director General of Public Health Services and Dr. Pradeep Edward, Director General Manager, Hemas Hospitals. Moderator: Niluka Perera, Independent Consultant of the Optima Allocative and Implementation Efficiency Study. 

'We need to further empower CBOs & NGOs to carry out the HIV prevention work and extend our reach as we are now active in only 15 districts. Public - Private partnerships have to be strengthened.' - Dr Janaki Vidanapathirana 

 'We must ensure sustainability in our response. We must gradually get the government's commitment from the Treasury before the Global Fund support ends' - Dr Mahendran Arnold. 

'For sustainable HIV services to be a reality, let's join hands and make it happen'. - Dr. Pradeep Edward 

‘Community organizations must be responsible in helping the government by utilizing resources responsibly’. - Palitha Vijaya Bandara  


Click to view the launch event: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cJUjSIpHFfA