How Uganda Prisons Service is fighting HIV/AIDS

13 August 2023, 7:01 pm

By Byamukama Alozious

Among 71,354 inmates who occupy 260 prisons at least 1,315 have contracted HIV/AIDS while in jail, according to the new Uganda Prisons report.

While speaking to Health Journalists at café organized by Health Journalism Network Uganda, HEJNU, Frank Baine, the spokesperson Uganda Prisons Service, said 99% of prisoners get to know their status while entering prison and that 60% of the inmates are illiterates which makes it hard for them to consume medication messages and teachings due to myths and bias. 

‘’We would emphasize HIV self-testing but the kits have cost attachment and the challenge we face is that prisoners have no money,’’ said Baine responding to one of the questions asked by journalists. He said among the key causes of the contraction is sharing materials like needles, lack of fear and mental health challenge.

In 2013, HIV/AIDS prevalence was at 11% for men, 13% for women. Baine attributes it to congestion in the prisons. ‘’We welcome many people from different ways of life and with different behaviors and we all know that the more the congestion the faster the transmission.’’

Although there are significantly higher rates, the Uganda Prisons Service has put efforts to minimize HIV/AIDS, one being mandatory entry testing. In 1997 at African prisons service conference that was held in Uganda, geared the formation of prisons campaigns committees for staff and inmates and committees and since then Uganda Prisons service has partnered with Uganda Aids Commission, Center for Disease Control among others

Dr. Stephen Watiti, a senior medical officer and HIV activist says all patients should receive good and quality treatment regardless of where they are living. Dr. Watiti who has lived with HIV since 1980s wants civil society organizations and government agencies to put together efforts to fight HIV/AIDS in minority groups among who are prison inmates.

‘’We have to make sure there are drugs and we have to work together to keep reminding them to take drugs for better health.’’

Dr. Musoba Neslon, Director General at Uganda Aids Commission says Uganda’s HIV prevalence is at 5% whereas some parts of Nabilatuku, Maracha are less than 1% while Central districts like Kalangala, Metropolitan and Mbarara in western still have high rates.