HIV and AIDS

In 1989, before the disease’s first appearance in the country, the Government implemented numerous preventive efforts targeting the aforementioned high-risk-populations and migrant workers. While these activities have helped keep the incidence of HIV low, the number of HIV-positive individuals was estimated at 7,500 in 2010, according to the National AIDS and STI Program (NASP).

Needle sharing is of particular concern, as a 2010 United Nations General Assembly Special Session (UNGASS) report indicated only 33.6 percent of IDUs used sterile injecting equipment at last use. HIV prevalence among IDUs is high: In 2009, 7 percent of the male IDU population in Dhaka was HIV positive, according to a national serological surveillance survey – an increase from 1.4 percent in 2000. Estimates are difficult to make, but the UNGASS report indicated outreach programs for IDUs covered only 2.1 percent of the IDU population in 2009, although they continue to work to curb the concentrated epidemic and increase their reach. One-half to two-thirds of IDUs reported purchasing sex from FSWs, and consistent condom use ranged from 14 to 43 percent in different cities, compounding the risk of an epidemic.

Key facts

  • Estimated number of people newly infected with HIV: 1400 (end of 2011)
  • Estimated population living with HIV/AIDS 7500 ( end of 2010)
  • Adult (15-49)HIV prevalence <0.1% (end of 2011)
  • HIV prevalence among young people (15-24)
    • Female <0.1 %
    • Male <0.1%
  • Estimated number of adults and children living with HIV: 6300
  • % of HIV infected people receiving Anti-Retroviral Therapy 23 %

Action

World Vision Bangladesh is playing a significant role in maintaining the low prevalence status of Bangladesh through its management of the HIV/AIDS Prevention Project and implementing prevention activities among the most-risk-at populations, sex workers, mobile populations and clients of sex workers Services are provided thorough HIV/AIDS special projects at Divisional level under its Area Development Programs.

In the HIV/AIDS Program, the major activities include: medical care for STIs, management of other health problems, recreation facilities, peer education, counseling and health education, referral service etc.

The project also does:

  • Behavior Change Communication (BCC) campaign against HIV/AIDS and STIs
  • Management and increased care for STIs patients
  • Advocacy for stigma reduction and discrimination
  • Networking and collaboration
  • Anti-retroviral therapy for people living with HIV/AIDS

Intervention Strategies

Goal- To reduce HIV/AIDS vulnerability in key populations at high risk, striving towards the Millennium Goal of halting and beginning to reverse the spread of HIV/AIDs in concert with the Government of Bangladesh’s HIV/AIDS National Strategic Plan.

World Vision Bangladesh HIV/AIDS Sector accomplishes this objective through the following three intervention strategies:

  • Promote positive behavioral change in populations at high risk
  • Alleviate associated stigma and discrimination
  • Improve the wellbeing of persons living with HIV and AIDS

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Impact Story

A Family Fighting Against HIV and AIDS Trauma

A single father of two boys, Md. Moniorujjaman lost his wife six years ago. In 1994, Md. Moniorujjaman’s wife Jahanara Begum became pregnant for the first time. The couple was excited for their first child but during delivery Jahanara needed a blood transfusion. The blood was contaminated with HIV and Jahanara became infected.

Although the contraction on HIV meant future medical struggles, the family was blessed to have three sons and one daughter. The family of six was living in peace and happiness with little income. Unfortunately, today they are a family of three. After 11 years of living with HIV, Jahanara died of an AIDS related infection. Two of the couples’ other children also died – a baby girl who died in infancy and a two year old boy.

In July 2005, Md. Moniorujjaman found out that he too had HIV.

The family faced constant discrimination from their relatives and community, they believed that whoever was in contact with them would be affected by this virus.

In that crucial moment, World Vision came forward to help the family. It began to provide food, medicine and treatment to the family and sent an employee to their house for a visit. World Vision staff regularly visited the family and from time to time monitored and counseled the the family and neighbours. Slowly, the community came to understand that HIV was not a contagious disease and came to accept the family and show support. After receiving support from World Vision the family felt like they had returned to life.

“We are living as normal people now. All things became possible after the intervention of World Vision,” say the children.

Reference

  1. UNGASS Bangladesh Country Report 2010
  2. World Vision Bangladesh Secondary Strategy 2009-2013, Sector Ministry: HIV/AIDS
  3. USAIDS HIV/AIDS Profile: Bangladesh , 2010
  4. HIV and AIDS Data Hub for Asia and Pacific, Evidence to Action, 2011