With the continuing improvements to HIV treatment, it has been possible for people with HIV to live healthy and productive lives. We can continue our education or work, have a sex life, have HIV free children and live as long as anyone else. In 2017 from research presented at the International AIDS Society Congress we learnt that those who are on effective antiretroviral therapy cannot pass on the virus. Antiretroviral therapy significantly reduces the viral load [<50 copies per ml of blood] and body fluids such as blood, anal mucus, semen, vaginal fluid and breastmilk – the five body fluids that pass it on – are no longer infectious.

World Health Organization classifies HIV as a chronic condition, i.e. a condition that cannot be cured but can be managed, akin to diabetes and hypertension. In addition to antiretroviral treatment, managing HIV requires making conscious changes in our daily life to stay healthy. We need eat right, sleep right, exercise regularly and pay attention to our mental health.

If you are living with HIV, it is important to talk to your doctor about your treatment options. HIV treatment can help you live a successful life and prevent the transmission of HIV to your partner and children. The Sri Lankan government provides free HIV treatment, available at Ministry of Health clinics across the country.

If you want to get an HIV test, you can book an appointment through https://www.know4sure.lk This an excellent government service that gurantees confidentiality right through the process.

Remember, a person on effective HIV treatment has an undetectable viral load, and an undetectable viral load is indicative of a higher life expectancy.