In commemoration of World AIDS Day, FPA Sri Lanka and The National STD/AIDS Control Programme (NSACP) of the Ministry of Health launched two campaigns; ‘Community Voices’ via social media channels and the ‘Celebrity Voices’ campaign at the national event held at the Waters Edge Hotel on the 1^st of December.

These campaigns aimed to raise awareness about ending stigma and discrimination, and raising awareness on HIV/AIDS, HIV prevention, testing, care and available support services.

FPA is grateful to all the celebrities and popular personalities who joined the "Celebrity Voices for Change campaign. We are confident that they can influence young people and drive positive messages about the urgent need to unite to eliminate the disparities and inequities that create barriers to HIV testing, prevention, to HIV care.

FPA works with the community and key population-led organisations in Colombo and Gampaha that employ outreach workers trained to provide a service package that includes prevention services, condom and lubricant distribution, case finding, linking to PrEP clinics and conducting Rapid testing for community members.

Community HIV testing and PrEP clinics are conducted on Sundays and holidays at night to provide easy access to these communities. Delivery of self-test kits, providing assisted self-testing services and linking reactive clients to STD clinics for confirmation, network tracing and supporting the treatment process for new young PLHIV members are some of the services provided by outreach workers.

HIV testing happens in the following settings

- Government STD clinics (free) - routine (ELISA Test) or rapid testing depending on resources available due to the current situation in the country

- Private Hospitals

- FPA and other service providers

- Community clinics targeted at Key populations (sex workers, drug users, transgender, etc.). Outreach workers are trained to do rapid HIV tests or assist in self-testing in the field.

A self-testing kit can be obtained free of charge by calling the Government Hotline: 0112667163. The government has a mechanism to deliver to any part of the country. 

To view community posters, click here.