Khan MS, Sakiul MM, Shaon HI; International Conference on AIDS.
Int Conf AIDS. 2000 Jul 9-14; 13: abstract no. ThPeD5673.
M.S. Khan, SHISUK, 207/2 West Dhanmondi, Road No. 10A, Modhubazar, Dhaka 1209, Bangladesh, Tel.: +880-2-9126235, Fax: +880-2-8118393(attn. SHISUK), E-mail: shisuk@bangla.net
Issue: Bangladesh is still considered as a low prevalence area. A large number of Bangladeshi (mostly rural and illiterate people) migrate for overseas jobs and most of the identified HIV positives are migrant workers. A wide range of ignorance about HIV/AIDS prevails among them. Effective pre-departure program can contribute to keep it in low profile. Description: To design a pre-departure program a qualitative survey was carried out to know the status of their HIV/AIDS knowledge and vulnerable factors. The study included migrants, future migrants and returnees and other stake holders such as recruiting agencies, brokers, travel agencies and diagnostic centers. PRA tools were used in Focus groups and one to one interviews were used for data collection. Experience: Bangladeshi migrants have left their families behind for years. It is perceived that most of them have sexual relationship while staying abroad, with casual partners or go to CSWs and due to lack of information and knowledge migrant workers engage themselves to the risky sexual behavior. Lack of access to the right information are common phenomena in the country. The Govt. suggested places are not adequately equipped to provide necessary information supports regarding HIV and sexual health and migrant workers can hardly reach those places. Moreover, through out the migrant process the migrant workers are kept totally ignorant about HIV/AIDS and as well as the act of fraudulence exists in migration contributes to their vulnerability to HIV/AIDS. Conclusion: It becomes clear that HIV/AIDS education/ orientation / awareness building program for documented and undocumented migrant workers must have to be addressed at grass root level and before the process starts. Networking (in recipient countries) seems to be crucial in dealing with this problem.
Publication Types:
Keywords:
- Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome
- Bangladesh
- Demography
- Emigration and Immigration
- HIV Infections
- HIV Seropositivity
- Health Education
- Knowledge
- Sexual Behavior
- Transients and Migrants
Other ID:
UI: 102242299
From Meeting Abstracts