Director of the National STD/AIDS Program - Dr. Sisira Liyanage said that this was revealed during the HIV test for pregnant women. This test was specially introduced in 2013.

Accordingly, 70% of all expectant mothers were subjected to this test this year and the ministry hopes to test all expectant mothers next year, Dr. Liyanage said.

Early diagnosis and treatment enables to prevent the disease being transmitted to the child. 12 such diagnosed mothers have given to babies free from the disease, he added.

If this programme is successful, no baby will be born as a HIV positive, Dr. Liyanage further said.