AEGiS-14IAC: A hidden sexuality: hijra sex workers and their risks of HIV/AIDS and std in Bangladesh.

14th International AIDS Conference


Barcelona, Spain - July 7-12, 2002

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A hidden sexuality: hijra sex workers and their risks of HIV/AIDS and std in Bangladesh.

Int Conf AIDS 2002 Jul 7-12; 14:(abstract no. F11761)

Azizul AH, Hijra MS, Shale MA
Bandhu Social Welfare Society, Dhaka, Bangladesh

BACKGROUND: Bangladesh-traditional Muslim society includes a strong Hijra community defined as 'transgender' their life style as males includes full genital castration and cross-dressing. Main profession is 'Badhai Khata' (asking for money for the sake of god) in addition selling of sexual services. Bandhu Social Welfare Society is working with Hijra community, highly stigmatized and vulnerable in Dhaka since October'00 and providing assistance for a community-based sexual health program 'Sushtha Jibon' (Healthy Life) the first program of its kind in Bangladesh.

METHODS: Preliminary estimates, around 5000 Hijras in Dhaka alone. Hijras tend to lack education, empowerment and low self-esteem, basic civil rights are denied. Based on 'Guru' (leader) system, a Guru will have a group of 'Chelas' (followers) many offer sexual services after dark, along with female sex workers. Survey indicates Hijras have the highest risk for STI/HIV infection because of multiple partners and anal sex activities. 'Sushtha Jibon' is managed by Hijra community as its outreach program, providing medical services by a trained female-doctor,along with empowering activities as vocational classes, loan club, etc.

RESULTS: From Jan-Sept'01, 418 complications reported with Anal STD18%; STD cases10%.Through outreach program contacted1661,empowering social-support-group meetings attendees1332.It was revealed 98.9% of participants had engaged in selling sexual services, with only 3.4% using condoms only 1% reporting consistent use of condoms in commercial sex shows the high vulnerability of Hijras to the risks of HIV /AIDS. Through active lobbying of Dr. Carol Jenkins who was working for FHI Bangladesh, Bandhu includes Hijras into the National Surveillance.

CONCLUSION: A great deal more needs to be done to ensure that the Program can reach Hijras across Dhaka and the country, not only to reduce their risks for HIV/STIs, but also towards,enabling them to feel a part of the greater society.

Keywords: AEGIS, Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, Sex Behavior, Prostitution, HIV Infections, Sexuality, HIV Seropositivity, Condoms, Sexual Partners, Transvestism, Health Services Needs and Demand, Developing Countries, Bangladesh, Human, Male, FemaleKWDaegis,acquiredimmunodeficiencysyndrome,sexbehavior,prostitution,hivinfections,sexuality,hivseropositivity,condoms,sexualpartners,transvestism,healthservicesneedsanddemand,developingcountries,bangladesh,human,male,female

020707
F11761

Copyright © 2002 - International AIDS Society (IAS). Reproduction of this abstract (other than one copy for personal reference) must be cleared through the IAS.