In March 2026, the This Is Public Health (TIPH) Project recorded an insightful podcast featuring Dr. (Mrs.) Sujatha Samarakoon, a leading expert in HIV/AIDS prevention and sexual health in Sri Lanka.
The discussion explored key public health issues related to HIV/AIDS prevention, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and sexual and reproductive health. Drawing on her extensive experience in the field, Dr. Sujatha Samarakoon highlighted the importance of addressing stigma and discrimination, strengthening public awareness on STI prevention, promoting gender equality, and implementing evidence-based public health strategies to improve health outcomes.
The session was hosted by Dr. P. A. Dinesh Coonghe, Project Lead of the TIPH Project and Senior Lecturer, Department of Community and Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Jaffna.
The video and audio production for the interview was carried out by Ms. Mathavy
Umasuthasarma, Project Fellow of the TIPH Project, Faculty of Medicine, University of Jaffna.
The conversation also emphasized the need for continued education, community engagement, and policy support to ensure effective prevention and control efforts while fostering a more inclusive and informed society.
This podcast forms part of the TIPH Project’s ongoing initiative to document and disseminate Sri Lanka’s public health experiences, challenges, and achievements, creating valuable learning resources for students, healthcare professionals, researchers, and the wider public.
