An update on the prevalence of HIV/AIDS in Bangladesh

M. Manirul Islam, Enamul Karim, Mohammad Anwarul Huq Mian, Sibylle Kristensen, M. R. Chowdhury, Sten H. Vermund

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

8 Scopus citations

Abstract

The National AIDS Committee was formed in 1985 to develop and support policies that prevent transmission of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). In 1990, the Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control and Research in the Ministry of Health began sero-surveillance for AIDS/HIV infection. Convenience sampling was conducted among prisoners, sailors, truckers, antenatal atlendees, repatriated Bangladeshi workers, and brothel-based prostitutes in Dhaka. In 1994, commercial sex workers in other high-risk areas were included in surveillance activities. Among over 75,700 HIV tests through 1998, 119 have been confirmed positive for HIV. While the cumulative HIV prevalence rate was only 1.5/1,000 tests, it was significantly higher among men (p < 0.0001) than among women. The rates among men were as high as 28/1,000 tests in 1996 and 21/1,000 tests in 1997. Almost 50% of the reported HIV cases are from cities on the border of India and Myanmar. It is anticipated that HIV transmission will increase further given the high prevalence of risk behaviors, core high-risk groups, and extreme poverty.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)246-250
Number of pages5
JournalSoutheast Asian Journal of Tropical Medicine and Public Health
Volume30
Issue number2
StatePublished - Jun 1999

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health
  • Infectious Diseases

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