Abstract
BackgroundRecent surveillance data from Bangladesh indicate rising HIV infection among intravenous drug users (IDU) in the country. We suggest a likely association between HIV risk factors in this group and other groups, such as males who have sex with males (MSM).MethodsData on MSM in Bangladesh was collected and analyzed from numerous primary and secondary sources, including government ministries, non-profit health organizations, and personal communications.ResultsThe overall prevalence of HIV in Bangladesh is relatively low, but surveillance data indicate that infection has reached significant proportions in certain high-risk groups and may soon spread to other groups, specifically MSM.ConclusionThe epidemiology of HIV infection in other countries suggests that increasing rates of HIV in higher-risk populations can precede an epidemic in the general population. We review the data concerning MSM, IDU and HIV in Bangladesh from a variety of sources and propose ways to prevent HIV transmission.
Highlights
Recent surveillance data from Bangladesh indicate rising HIV infection among intravenous drug users (IDU) in the country
There has not been a clear link between the high risk groups of males who have sex with males (MSM) and IDUs in Bangladesh, and this is the relationship we explore in this paper
HIV prevalence among IDUs has been low in most geographical locations in Bangladesh (0% in Southwest, Northwest, and South during the first five rounds)
Summary
Recent surveillance data from Bangladesh indicate rising HIV infection among intravenous drug users (IDU) in the country. There are several groups at high risk for HIV/AIDS in Bangladesh, and include intravenous drug users (IDU), commercial sex workers (CSW), males who have sex with males (MSM), truck drivers, migrant workers, and rickshaw pullers [3]. Within these groups, there is a disproportionate burden of disease, including sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). While the underlying social determinants of health such as poverty, access to medical care, education, and healthcare structure are most likely the root causes of these diseases, the more proximal causes include low condom use, high number of sexual partners, and relatively low HIV-related knowledge [4]. This represents a risk environment primed for the spread of HIV
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