AIDS situation in Bangladesh
The information on HIV prevalence in Bangladesh is limited and the available data suggests that the overall prevalence is low even among vulnerable groups.
However, several factors, mainly related to the country's poor socio-economic background, make the country vulnerable to epidemic.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel. In a survey in Dhaka in 1996, 0.2 per cent of the sex workers were tested positive. However, there was no evidence of HIV infection among sex workers tested in 1997 and 1998. No evidence of HIV prevalence was available among truck drivers. There is evidence of a high rate of syphilis (app. 60 percent) and other STDs among commercial female sex workers. The rate of condom use is low.
In view of the pandemic that started in the early 80s, the Government of the People's Republic of Bangladesh formed a National AIDS Committee way back in October 1985 for prevention and control of HIV/ AIDS. By now it has completed a Short term Plan of Action, an interim plan of Action and many other activities related to prevention and control of HIV/AIDS.
The National Programme has an implementation strategy and a behaviour change communication strategy. Religious leaders, students, youth leaders and community leaders have been involved in advocacy programmes. It is a good step.