VIDEO: HIV, Aids and TB treatment remains priority for inmates
The number of Aids-related deaths of inmates has decreased since the introduction of ARVs, say prison authorities.
The health of those behind bars remained a priority on this World Aids Day as the department of correctional services gave journalists a tour of Kgosi Mampuru II prison on Tuesday.
Gauteng acting regional commissioner Mandla Mkabela told the visitors in Pretoria that management of HIV and Aids was a priority programme of the department of correctional service.
“We fully support the 2015 theme of zero stigma and discrimination against people living with HIV and Aids,” Mkhabela said.
A presentation on the state of health at various prison management centres was given by Gloria Lekubu, who is the Gauteng regional coordinator for HIV and Aids for the department.
Lekubu said the number of Aids-related deaths had reduced since the introduction of ARVs.
“We have used the indicators of the national strategic plans for 2012 to 2016 on HIV,TB and STIs,” Lekubu said.
In the past, prisons would have an average of 10 inmates dying from HIV and Aids related illnesses in a month.
“It is now 0 to 2 deaths because of ARV treatment and education. We also have PMCT (prevention of mother to child transmission) and we work together with hospitals,” she said.
Manager of healthcare at Kgosi Mampuru II, Tebogo Sempe said prisoners exposed to HIV and Aids through rape or sodomy were being tested once they reported the crime.
“Those who tested negative get post-exposure prophylaxis then sent to the rape crisis for counselling and to the police to open a case.”
Sempe said inmates testing HIV positive were not given post-exposure prophylaxis but were sent to the rape crisis centre to be tested for Hepatitis and to police so that a case could be opened.
“Prisoners are now open about HIV and Aids and are willing to come out and be tested and treated. The stigma is gradually declining in terms of HIV and Aids as our death rates here in the prison have decreased.”
Nozuku Xolo, a doctor at one of the prisons, said most of the pregnant women put on EMTCT (elimination of mother to child transmission) bore children who were HIV negative.
“We make sure that the children of women who come here pregnant come out negative. For the HIV positive pregnant women, irrespective of their CD4 count, they are all given ARVs.”
Xolo said pregnant women were shifted to Johannesburg once they had given birth. The children would be kept at the prison until they turn two.
Only then were they sent to their next of kin.
Journalists were also shown the prison cells of paralympian Oscar Pistorius, Czech Republic fugitive Rondovan Krejcir and the late former police chief Jackie Selebe.
Some of the prisoners took part in welding, woodwork and fixing cars as part of their training, to enable them to be productive in and outside of prison.
See the video here:
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