Women’s health status in reference to Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) in Bangladesh: Policy and policy praxis

The proposed objective of my presentation is to explore the status of women`s health in reference to sexually transmitted infections (STIs) that have continued to be addressed in Bangladesh`s national health policies. The corresponding review of the qualitative data and the social science literature continue to form inherent components of the debate. Semi-structured interviews with policy makers will take place in Dhaka, Bangladesh. The Bangladesh government’s National STD/HIV report states that 67% of identified HIV positive cases in the country derive from returnee migrant workers to Bangladesh and their spouses. Further, separate surveys on STIs conducted with different groups of female sex workers demonstrate high levels of different STIs, many of which reflect asymptomatic data and, thus, understandings. The dynamics and politics of STIs and HIV infection among women in Bangladesh and the corresponding policy responses to these reveal much about the complex relationships between those in power, those who are powerless and the concept of sexuality. Accordingly, alternative planning paradigms which challenge power and bring diversity and the possibility of empowerment into the debate are required for those understood to be ‘powerless’. As has been indicated by UNAIDS as well, what needs to be developed are strategies that improve access to prevention options, with 90% of people by 2020, especially young women in high-prevalence countries, the eliminating of gender inequalities and the continuing decrease of all forms of violence and discrimination against women, as well as people living with HIV. Within the context and setting of this study, the qualitative results are intended to contribute to guide policymakers in reference to the HIV and STI incidents of female garment workers in urban areas of Bangladesh.