Mapping and size estimation of key populations and HIV risk behaviors in Bangladesh

The Bangladesh government is committed to limit the prevalence of HIV and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among key populations (KPs) at a low level. The current mapping, size estimation, and behavioral survey was conducted among the KP groups, namely, female sex workers (FSW), people who inject drugs (PWID), and men who have sex with men(MSM/MSW). Regular updates of the estimated KP size and their mapping are important for planning, priority setting, designing effective interventions, resource allocation, and monitoring.

The objectives of this study were to: a) estimate the size and map the sites of KP groups in selected districts and extrapolate the data to estimate the size in remaining districts; b) assess the risk behaviors of KP groups, including the utilization of services; and c) examine violence against the KPs, the situation of KPs during the COVID-19 pandemic period, and the knowledge of KPs on HIV and their health seeking behaviors.