NOVEMBER 2006 — Enayet Hossain, 34, an influential religious leader in Bangladesh, was furious when he learned that a local nongovernmental organization (NGO) discussed sexually transmitted infections, HIV and AIDS. As a former student of a madrassa, or religious school, he found this contrary to  Islam. To voice his opposition, Hossain attended a community advocacy meeting hosted by the NGO, Association of Voluntary Action for Society (AVAS), in August 2002. As a result, his views began to change. Hossain realized that he had a responsibility to educate others about the risk of HIV.  Eventually he even took a second job as a site worker for AVAS while continuing his managerial work at a hotel in southern Bangladesh.

Realizing the gravity of the risk HIV represented in his community, Hossain was determined to reach beyond the group of sex workers and clients with whom he worked for AVAS. So, he began leading HIV awareness sessions within the madrassa he had attended. "Since I am a huzur (religious leader), people trust me to talk about sex," he explains.

With training from FHI, Hossain has helped AVAS address safer sex with 320 graduate students of Mahmudia Madrassa, an institute established by his grandfather. Three principals of similar institutions have invited him to speak about HIV prevention at their madrassas.

Hossain's talks touch people even NGOs sometimes can not reach. Says Hossain, "We cannot ignore reality. . . . Some madrassa students visit hotels for sex. They must be made aware of the risk of HIV infection."

AVAS is one of 20 NGOs implementing the IMPACT Project in Bangladesh with FHI guidelines and support. The organizations use "Who is vulnerable to HIV?", a strategic behavioral communication session, and other FHI-developed materials to reach a cross-section of Bangladeshi society.
 
PHOTO: Enayet Hossain helps protect his community from HIV and AIDS by leading awareness sessions using FHI-developed materials. (Murad Ahmed)