HSB: HIV Surveillance in Bangladesh - The Present Scenario

Annual surveillance for HIV infection and risk behaviours has been conducted among populations at elevated risk for HIV infection since 1998. The last round of surveillance was conducted between June 2003 and March 2004. Among the 10,445 persons tested 35 (0.3%) were HIV infected. Among injecting drug users participating in a needle/syringe exchange program in one city, 4% were HIV infected and in one neighbourhood in that city, 8.9% were HIV infected. Behaviours that can transmit HIV were common. Continued efforts to reduce high-risk behaviours are needed.