Perception of religious and community leaders about introducing RTI/STD services for men in female focused service delivery centres

Ubaidur Rob, Population Council
Marium U. Mutahara, Population Council
Ahmed Al-Sabir, National Institute of Population Research and Training

Religious and community leaders in Bangladesh have a major influence on the community people. Common people discuss with them before they take any decision. Traditionally, women have hardly any control over their sexuality and reproductive goals. This paper intends to analyze the perception of the community and religious leaders of introducing sexually transmitted diseases/HIV/AIDS services in the female focused health service centres for men. Information was collected through focus group discussions. Findings suggest that community and religious leaders are not aware of the issue. They do not know how people get infected of these diseases. Also they are not aware how the sexual behaviour of a man can control RTI/STD/AIDS. However, they have showed positive attitude towards the services for men for treatment of RTI/STD in the female focused service delivery centres. Community and religious leaders show eagerness to join on motivational and awareness program for community people on RTI/STD/AIDS.