OneWorld.net (U.S.)

The ICDDR,B has provided a lowdown on the current scenario related to HIV surveillance in Bangladesh and found that behaviours that can transmit HIV are very common.

The surveys which are being conducted according to the UNAIDS/WHO guidelines, have focused on selected groups of individuals known to be at high risk for acquiring HIV infection. This includes sex workers, drug users, males who have sex with males, and Hijras (male transvestites).

Bangladesh was divided into six geographical regions - central, northwest, northeast, south, southeast and southwest for the surveys. These annual surveillance surveys for HIV infection and risk behaviours are being conducted among populations at elevated risk for HIV infection since 1998.

The last round of surveillance was conducted between June 2003 and March 2004. Among the 10,445 persons tested 35 (0.3%) were HIV infected. Among injecting drug users participating in a needle/syringe exchange program in one city, 4% were HIV infected and in one neighbourhood in that city, 8.9% were HIV infected. Behaviours that can transmit HIV were common. Continued efforts to reduce high-risk behaviours are needed.

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