A success story: identified gaps and the way forward for low HIV prevalence in Bangladesh

How to Curb up the HIV/AIDS Prevalence in Bangladesh?

“…NGOs (Non-governmental organizations) and CBOs (community-based organizations) provide HIV testing facilities to a limited number of key populations (KPs) with support from the GFATM. Sentinel surveillance being provided among PWIDs (Persons Who Inject Drugs), MSM (men who have sex with men) and, FSW (female sex worker) since 2011 (Rezwan et al, 2016). Another NGO called Bandhu Social Welfare Society offers an HIV testing facility for MSM and transgender (TGs) populations.…”

“…HIV incidence among the general population in Bangladesh is still low, and therefore, it has not been taken under critical situations (Rezwan et al, 2016). Despite incriminating in the number of patients on ART (Antiretroviral therapy), the treatment gap is increasing, as shown in Figure 3.…”

“…Half of the MSM are married to woman partners. No interventions or testing facilities are in place for their spouses (Rezwan et al, 2016), even though very few confined facilities are accessible for identifying OIs (opportunistic infections) and coinfections. Moreover, checking for and STI (Sexually Transmitted Infection) offerings inaccessible.…”

“…The government and many NGOs have taken several initiatives; however, the treatment gap could not be reduced. Despite that, regular HIV examination is not available due to the low HIV incidence among the general population (Rezwan et al, 2016) of Bangladesh.…”

“…Figure 2: Current Condition of HIV/AIDS prevalence in Bangladesh (Rezwan et al, 2016) Hossain, & Reza, (2018) To assess the status of Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) in Bangladesh Urge for (a) substantial investment in facility improvement and continuance, (b) addressing focus groups such as migrants, children with HIV properly, (c) look for the effective measure to overcome legal and social barriers. Sarma et al (2017) To assess the HIV/AIDS-related knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors among students Curriculum upgrading regarding self-risk perception, scaling up a training program, a nationwide pre-post study assessing knowledge level.…”