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The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA |
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The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA |
Shabnam Shahnaz, MBBS, MPH1, Ferdousi Begum, MBBS, MPH2, and Mohammad Alauddin, PhD1. (1) Pathfinder International, 9 Galen Street, Suite 217, Watertown, MA 02472, 617-924-7200, ghainsworth@pathfind.org, (2) Pathfinder International-Bangladesh Office, 9 Galen Street, Suite 217, Watertown, MA 02472
The Third Sentinel Sero Surveillance reports low HIV/AIDS prevalence among high-risk groups in Bangladesh. Despite this fact, the country is at potential risk of HIV/AIDS endemicity due to alarmingly high STI/RTI prevalence, geographical proximity to high prevalence countries, ignorance and unawareness of HIV among the general population, and the existence of high risk groups. More concerning is the overall ignorance of HIV among younger people who are more susceptible to the disease due to their biological and socio-economic vulnerability. According to the 2000 DHS report, 96% of girls and 88% of boys are not aware of the disease.
Given the potential for escalating HIV rates, the RSDP has taken a population and individual level approach to preventing transmission by raising the awareness level of 11 million people in 139 Upazilas who are potentially at risk of contracting HIV, especially adolescents.
Through support from Pathfinder, the RSDP has trained service providers on STI and HIV/AIDS prevention. These service providers are engaged in rural clinics, providing an "Essential Services Package" which includes HIV/AIDS prevention and education. Special educational sessions for different segments of population are organized on HIV/AIDS to create greater awareness of HIV and prevention measures. However, it is recognized that different strategies need to be implemented in order to truly reach high risk populations. Currently Pathfinder and the RSDP are exploring approaches for reaching these populations.
Learning Objectives: By the end of the session, participants will be able to
Keywords: HIV/AIDS, International Reproductive Health
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.