Reinforcing the Scaling Up of HIV Services: Strengthening HIV Prevention and Effective Targeting
Donor
PPAG/Global Fund
Period
July2015 – Dec. 2017
Location
Prison Inmates
Reinforcing the Scaling Up of HIV Services
Results
We educated and sensitized over 10,359 prison inmates on HIV and AIDS, STIs, and TB; conducted 7,175 HIV and TB testing and counseling, and referred 270 suspected prison inmates to health facilities for further evaluation, out of which 27 HIV positive and 18 TB positive cases were confirmed. Knowledge of HIV and TB has increased among prison inmates and more prison inmates know their HIV and TB status.
Situation Problem
The prisons are among the most crowded places in Ghana which makes them vulnerable to diseases and infections due to ease of transmission. The prison inmates involve themselves in social vices, either willingly or under duress, which may lead to the spread of HIV among prison inmates. Sexual intercourse among same-sex, sharing of sharp objects, and sharing of toothbrushes are among some of the behaviors that may lead to the spread of HIV among prison inmates.
The overcrowded nature of the prisons also makes the prison inmates and officers vulnerable to diseases such as Tuberculosis (TB) and other communicable diseases. All the 43 prison establishments in Ghana operate above their normal capacity and this makes both officers and inmates vulnerable to both HIV and TB.
Response Solution
Informed, educated, and sensitized prison inmates on HIV and AIDS, STIs and TB through peer education (one-on-one and small group discussions) and HIV and TB testing and counseling services in 7 prisons (Awutu, Osamkrom, Winneba, Hiawa, Tarkwa, Koforidua, and Kpando), and performed interactive theatre performances in 43 prisons to promote behavior change.
This was aimed at reducing new HIV and AIDS, STIs, and TB infections across the 43 prison establishments in Ghana.
