However, most of the people with STD are not aware of their condition, it says.

The most common STDS are chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis and trichomoniasis.

Annually, around 357 million people contract STDs, says the WHO.

Meanwhile, between 4,500 and 6,000 sex workers are employed by Ayurvedic massage clinics in Colombo city, it was revealed at a recent seminar.

Many of these workers are believed to be at risk of HIV/AIDS, but no state institution has so far mediated on their behalf.