Sri Lanka’s Antiviral Strategy Lowers Influenza Risks
Sri Lanka has been taking bold steps to reduce the burden of seasonal influenza, and the results are showing real promise. Instead of waiting for infections to spread widely, the country has been focusing on rapid testing and early treatment, which allows patients—especially those most at risk—to recover faster and avoid serious complications. With strong backing from the World Health Organization, Sri Lanka has developed clear national guidelines that emphasize the use of antivirals, particularly oseltamivir, for high-risk groups. By following this approach, hospitalizations and deaths from influenza have been significantly reduced.
One of the most notable features of Sri Lanka’s plan is how influenza care has been integrated into broader maternal and child health services. This was not a random choice. Back in 2015 and 2016, influenza had been linked to around 10 percent of maternal deaths in the country, a shocking reminder of how dangerous the illness can be for pregnant women. Today, pregnant women who develop fever or respiratory symptoms are encouraged to seek medical help right away. If influenza is suspected, treatment with oseltamivir is often prescribed within the first 24 to 48 hours, which can make a critical difference. Health workers and antenatal clinics are also playing a central role by raising awareness so that women know the symptoms and do not delay care. This has already helped cut down maternal deaths tied to influenza.
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Another strength of Sri Lanka’s strategy lies in self-reliance. Instead of depending entirely on outside suppliers, the country has supported local pharmaceutical production of antivirals. This ensures that medicine is available not only for seasonal outbreaks but also as a safeguard in case of future pandemics. It’s a move that strengthens both health security and national preparedness.
In July 2025, high-level discussions were held between WHO experts and Sri Lanka’s national health leadership, including Dr. Asela Gunawardena, the Director-General of Health Services, and Dr. Hasitha Tissera, the Chief Epidemiologist. The focus of these talks was how to take the antiviral success story even further. Attention is now turning to vaccines, with new studies planned to measure how many hospitalizations, deaths, and days of missed work or school could be prevented if influenza vaccination is added to the national program. Research by the University of Ruhuna and Duke University has already shown that vaccines would be cost-effective for Sri Lanka, and WHO is helping to incorporate vaccination guidelines into the national immunization handbook.
Altogether, this multi-layered approach—rapid testing, timely antiviral treatment, maternal health integration, local drug production, and future vaccine adoption—is creating a strong shield against influenza. By protecting vulnerable groups and investing in long-term prevention, Sri Lanka is not only reducing today’s seasonal influenza risks but also preparing itself for whatever future pandemics may bring.
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