CHILDREN AND HIV/AIDS IN
BANGLADESH- A GLOBAL REVIEW
Mahmood Shakeel
International Centre for
Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Dhaka, Bangladesh
Objective: The study explored the
susceptibility of the Children of Bangladesh to HIV/AIDS and based on the findings,
it recommends measures to be adopted to prevent HIV among the children. The
large number of street children in our country pose a definite threat to
HIV/AIDS. The incidence of injecting drug use and adolescence among the
children of Bangladesh has also been factor to increase the risk of
HIV/AIDS at an alarming rate.
Methodology: The study was carried
out by conducting a latest Internet and literature survey on global and
regional prevalence of HIV/AIDS. The existing situation in Bangladesh was
also analyzed, and discussion with the national and international experts
was held to know their views.
Results: An epidemic of HIV/AIDS
has already started in this region. Bangladesh continues to be a
low-prevalence area. However, almost all the determinates for an explosive
outbreak of an HIV/AIDS epidemic have been found to exist in the
country. Here we have a very
high prevalence of STDs/RTIs, indicating country's increased susceptibility
to HIV/AIDS. This paper explores some factors that make the children of
this country extremely vulnerable. Factors, such as ignorance, illiteracy,
superstition, poverty, joblessness, malnutrition, high prevalence of HIV
infection in the neighboring countries, increased population movements and
lack of awareness on HIV infection, increasing number of homosexuality, low
popularity of condoms and lack of voluntary blood donors and dependence on
professional blood sellers etc. have been shown to be responsible for this
vulnerability. According to the data provided by B.S.M.M.University, the
number of detected People living with HIV/AIDS in Bangladesh has now
reached 157 as of Nov'2000. The number of detected children below 15 years
living with HIV/AIDS in Bangladesh so far identified is 6, almost 4%.
(0--4yrs =2, 5-9yrs =3,10-14yrs =1,14-19yrs =6.) Of them 3 got infected
from their mother and others were CSW’s.
Conclusion: The paper strongly warns
against the danger of 'denial' and complacence. It recommends actions almost on a war footing. Importance of appropriate education
at all levels, including household, school and out-of-school education and
counselling is emphasized.
Education on safe sex has to be given in conformity with our
sociocultural background. As preventive measures, condom use, ensuring safe
blood transfusion, obeying religious rules, using media materials (such as
videos, pamphlets, booklets, radio and television including print and
electronic media, film and the arts, and new media technologies) were
mentioned. Above all Bangladesh should immediately translate its HIV/AIDS
policies into action to benefit the people of this country.In 1994,
representatives of NGOs through out south & east Africa drew up a
5-point Lusaka Declaration on support to children and Families affected by
AIDS. The points are noted below:
1. Keep children of the AIDS affected families
in their own communities
2. Efforts should start before death of parent
3. NGOs to identify children at risk of
becoming orphans
4. Home based care scheme -->community
support teams help parents plan ahead for the future of their children
5. NGOs to inform the parents about their legal
rights