Making HIV services more friendly for prisoners

Introducing 

An advocate for prisoner rights with advice on how to improve HIV services for prisoners, Lonnie. 

Tip one  

Provide psychosocial support 

Upon incarceration, most prisoners are forced to get an HIV test. But they are not offered any counselling or follow-up support. 

Tip two 

Supply antiretrovirals (ARVs) consistently 

The supply of ARVs is inconsistent. This means people tend to default on their medication. 

Tip three 

Improve on food quality 

A prison diet is not nutritious. This means ARVs are harder to take and less effective. Another reason people default. 

Tip four 

Advocate for prisoner rights 

As a health worker you can use your knowledge to lobby the government for improved health services for prisoners. Ask for health facilities within prisons to be properly equipped, including with enough health professionals. 

Tip five 

Improve access to HIV information 

There is often little access to information on HIV in prisons. Encourage prisons to collaborate with NGOs to provide prisoners with information and support. 

How would you improve HIV services for prisoners?