“Hearts & Hashtags: Youth, HIV & Digital Power” took place successfully today at the Sri Lanka Medical Association, bringing together Girl Guide representatives, young people, creators, and advocates for a morning of real conversations, learning, and digital empowerment.

Hosted by the National STD/AIDS Control Programme (NSACP) and FPA Sri Lanka, the sessions focused on strengthening informed youth voices, tackling stigma, and using social media for purposeful HIV awareness.

Dr. Vino Dharmakulasinghe, Consultant NSACP, opened the session with an insightful overview of the HIV situation in Sri Lanka, followed by Ms. Nadika Fernandopulle from the GFATM National HIV Prevention Programme, who shared an overview of the various methods of outreach work carried out by partner organizations on prevention, awareness, testing, and treatment referrals. 

Indunil Dissanayake, Outreach Coordinator at Heart 2 Heart (H2H), shared real-life stories of people living with HIV, busted myths about transmission, and highlighted how knowledge, care, and treatment, along with knowing how to stay safe, can make all the difference.

From the creative front, Amila Gunasekera, Deputy Director – Brands at FPA Sri Lanka, presented the World AIDS Day 2025 social media video initiatives created by FPA Sri Lanka and NSACP, tools developed to provide accurate knowledge, dispel myths, and empower young people to make informed choices.

Dr. Suneth Rajawasan led an energetic session on “Go Viral with Purpose: Social Media That Breaks Stigma,” teaching participants how to create impactful content rooted in authenticity, empathy, accuracy, and zero stigma.

The interactive Youth Q&A was facilitated by Ms. Kritaanjali Ratnasabathy, Chairperson of the FPA Youth Services Committee, Kaveesha, Theekshana, and Dilan from the FPA Youth Team, alongside Dr. Mihitha Basnayake from the Advocacy Unit. They covered key topics such as modes of transmission, prevention methods, the importance of condoms, treatment options, and the vital role parents play in creating open conversations, helping young people feel supported, informed, and safe.

Our Executive Director, Dr Ruchitha Perera, also joined the dialogue and emphasized the value of youth-centred awareness initiatives like this.

Participants shared that the programme cleared misconceptions, answered long-standing questions, and helped them understand why these topics are essential for their age group. Many expressed their commitment to share what they learned, both online and offline, to promote accurate, stigma-free awareness.