Socio-Cultural Determinants of HIV and AIDS: the Context of Women in Bangladesh

: HIV/AIDS is one of the major threats to economic development. Although the epidemic was first detected among men and was primarily concentrated among men, in many regions, women remain at a much higher risk of HIV infection than men. A significant shift of the epidemic with a higher proportion of new HIV infection among women was noticed in the late 1990s. While both women and men are vulnerable and affected by HIV and AIDS, a multitude of factors increases women’s vulnerability to HIV acquisition, such as biological, behavioral, socioeconomic, cultural and structural risks. Most studies and interventions conducted in Bangladesh focus on key affected populations such as female sex workers and people who inject drugs. Rather than focusing on the key affected population only, this article reflects on the role of the socio-cultural determinants those make women more vulnerable to HIV transmission in the context of Bangladesh.