Study Overview

Key populations (KPs) at risk of compromised sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) outcomes include specific population groups such as males having sex with males (MSM), male sex workers (MSW), transgender women (locally known as hijra), female sex workers (FSW) and people who inject drugs (PWID). The global evidence indicates a diversity of SRHR burdens and unmet SRHR-related needs among the KPs, yet, on most occasions, SRHR services are inadequate, absent and/or do not respond to the cultural needs and sensitivities of these populations. Moreover, most KP-focused interventions around the world, including Bangladesh, primarily address the HIV and STI agenda, and other SRHR concerns of the KPs have remained overlooked. The Government of Bangladesh operates various hospitals that are “officially” open to serving all populations, irrespective of their socio-demographic status and sexual orientation, which technically also includes KPs. There is a local and global paucity of data on SRHR service-related issues concerning the completeness, quality, availability, and accessibility of SRHR services for KPs.