HIV among drug users

The threat of an outbreak of HIV/AIDS epidemic continues to haunt the nation even though the number of HIV infected people in the country is still well within the acceptable rate. But with high prevalence rates in many of our neighbouring and regional countries, there is no knowing when the virus would strike down large numbers of people in Bangladesh. The report of large number of IDUs getting infected by HIV does put the nation in a vulnerable position and calls for prompt action by the authorities.

The social conditions that help sustain and spread all sorts of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV virus are very much present in Bangladesh. On the other hand, because of the low literacy and awareness level, especially among the low-income groups, most cases of STIs and HIV do not get reported to the authorities in time. The other factor that contributes to the spread of these diseases and infections is the hidden sex industry at various levels in society that often remains untraceable.

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We feel the report of the donor agency on the spread of HIV virus among the intravenous drug users should be taken with due seriousness by the relevant authorities, if an epidemic is to be averted.