Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2002. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
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International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies - 15 October 2002
Dr. Habibullah Choudhury, HIV/AIDS Coordinator, Bangladesh Red Crescent Society
Many people living with HIV/AIDS are unwilling to be tested and even though there are private and public laboratories carrying out HIV testing, the results are not sent to the national AIDS/sexually transmitted diseases (STD) programme. In contrast to the official figures, a recent publication by the World Health Organisation's regional office estimated that, as of April 2001, there were about 13,000 adults living with HIV in Bangladesh.
It also said the rate of HIV infection was 16 per 100,000 people. In 2001 only 25 new cases of HIV were officially recorded. Among these, most were male migrant workers who were deported back to Bangladesh from their host countries following detection of their HIV status. The WHO, UNAIDS and the World Bank say the number of HIV/AIDS cases in Bangladesh is still quite low, but this can have an adverse impact on people's attitudes as it creates a sense of complacency. The plain truth is that we cannot afford to be complacent, especially as, according to a recent Unicef report, 96 per cent of girls and 88 per cent of boys don't know how to protect themselves.
Twenty-two confirmed HIV-positive cases were reported during the last six months and experts believe that new cases of HIV infection might be double this year compared to last year's total of 31. Of the 22, 18 are migrant workers and four are housewives. Officially detected cases are only the tip of the iceberg, but this sudden rise in the detection rate indicates a rapid increase in transmission rates which should set alarm bells ringing.
In response to the growing threat of HIV/AIDS in the country, the Bangladesh Red Crescent has recently added HIV/AIDS information into all Youth Life Skills, first aid and other training programmes.
The Bangladesh Red Crescent has also just started an outdoor clinic providing information and services related to condoms and the treatment of STD's and other infectious diseases. At the same time, confidential counselling is given about HIV/AIDS and STDs. This approach is specifically aimed at benefiting low salary earners, students, slum dwellers and high risk groups.
Another recent initiative lies with the 13 mother/child health (MCH) centres. Village health workers from these MCH centres have begun group discussions with mothers, house leaders and adolescent groups where they disseminate information about HIV/AIDS and STDs, condoms and advice on safe sex behaviour.
Finding ways to promote open discussion about HIV/AIDS in an Islamic society presents many challenges. But it is people's ignorance of the disease that is the major obstacle towards preventing an epidemic similar to those seen in some of our neighbouring countries.
In support of the global campaign to combat stigma and discrimination, the Red Crescent is adopting inventive methods to make people aware of the issues. The Bangladesh Red Crescent runs the country's largest lottery and the anti-stigma campaign message, The truth about AIDS. Pass it onà, is now being promoted on the lottery tickets. By reaching out to such a wide audience, people will gradually get the message that it is better to be aware than prejudiced about AIDS.
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