AEGiS-15IAC: Reduce HIV/AIDS in Zambian prisons within the Christian framework. [Men to men transmision].

15th International AIDS Conference

Bangkok, Thailand - July 11-16, 2004

Reduce HIV/AIDS in Zambian prisons within the Christian framework. [Men to men transmision].

Int Conf AIDS 2004 Jul 11-16; 15:(abstract no. C10342)

Kawilila S
Prison Fellowship Zambia., Chingola, Zambia

ISSUE: There is evidence of homosexual practise, low knowledge of HIV/AIDS and sharing of blood contaminated instruments such as razor blades by tatooing and hair clippers which are not properly cleaned and high risk behavior among prison inmates. Although principle 9 of the United Nations basic principle for the treatment of prisoners provides for access to health care services available in the country without discrimination, inmates in prisons continue to receive an inferior health service compared with that obtained outside.

DESCRIPTION: Prison Fellowship Zambia, Chingola Care-group has mobilized volunteers to respond to the epidermic of HIV/AIDS. Health volunteers on this project to are equiped with skills, knowledge and confidence to talk to prisoners about HIV/AIDS to enable them carry on the work. We are working with the church and the community to do this. We offer counselling to prisoners and initiate a change of behavior.

LESSONS LEARNT: It is an uphill battle due to: Prison culture: Security consideration tend to conflict with genuine public health concerns. Despite the alarming situation there is still no defined response to the public health situation in Zambian prisons. Behavior alread in place: Men having sex with other men; homosexuality activity is regarded as an offence therefore condoms are not provided to prisoners. Issues surrounding sexuality are not openly talked about due to traditions and Ignorance is high because they claim AIDS is caused by witchcraft.

RECOMMENDATIONS: To discourage tatooing by teaching prisoners through workshops and seminars. Inmates who becoming symptomic sick should be released upon recommendations by a doctor. More to be done in the area of prevention and prisoners to access clean razor blades and hair clippers. More awareness and knowledge of both prisoners and staff in the fight against HIV/AIDS. Counsellors and HIV/AIDS prisoner committee to be established through workshops with inmates.

Keywords: AEGIS, Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, Prisons, HIV Seropositivity, Prisoners, HIV Infections, Condoms, Substance Abuse, Intravenous, Needle Sharing, Sexual Behavior, Health Planning Guidelines, HIV Seroprevalence, Counseling, Anti-HIV Agents, Zambia, Humans, Male, education

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C10342