AEGiS-15IAC: Grappling HIV/AIDS through expanding prevention program with health clinics of NGO services delivery program in Bangladesh: a prospect for wider coverage to reach high-risk population.

15th International AIDS Conference

Bangkok, Thailand - July 11-16, 2004

Grappling HIV/AIDS through expanding prevention program with health clinics of NGO services delivery program in Bangladesh: a prospect for wider coverage to reach high-risk population.

Int Conf AIDS 2004 Jul 11-16; 15:(abstract no. TuPeD4972)

Kamrul Ahsan AB
NGO Service Delivery Program, Dhaka, Bangladesh

ISSUES: Risk behaviors among different groups are high, although HIV prevalence in Bangladesh is apparently low. The situation can be fuelled easily by ignorance, lack of services, poverty, subordinate role of women and the high level of STI, which predisposes the individual to HIV infection. Myths and denials and cross-border migration to neighboring countries further aggravated worse situation of the high-risk population, which make vulnerable to them.

DESCRIPTION: NSDP supports 41 NGOs operating 280 clinics, which coveres about 20% of total population. Under HIV/STI prevention, it has identfied 60 special clinics which mobilized high-risk population for HIV prevention and STI treatment; built up capacity of the service providers on STI treatment, HIV/AIDS through training; expanded services to reduce the vulnerability of the communities; used volunteers (workerd as depot holder for condom); established linkage with others for support services on cross-cutting themes such as gender equity, sexuality, human rights violation. Strategy has been taken to intensify clinical services including treatment of STIs, behavior change of high-risk population, general awareness and advocacy, and social marketing of condoms.

LESSONS LEARNED: Incidence of STI decreased, use of condom increased. HIV/STI infection can be prevented if one has access to appropriate information, adequate health care services. The clinics should'nt label with treatment for STIs, rather when people come for other needs, service providers can use missed opportunity, which make them open to get access to services for sexual health issues.

RECOMMENDATIONS: Efforts should focus on prevention mechanism through mobilizing community, which requires skill building of the service providers. Peer based program can play a vital role to practice behavior change. Enhancing the participation and empowerment of youths is a key strategy in containing the spreads of HIV.

Keywords: AEGIS, Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, HIV Seropositivity, HIV Infections, Health, Condoms, Prevalence, Bangladesh, Infection, Sexual Behavior, Health Planning Guidelines, Ambulatory Care Facilities, Human Rights, Delivery, Obstetric, Public Policy, Humans, Female, surgery, education

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