NCJ Number
110508
Journal
Lancet Dated: (November 28, 1987) Pages: 1263-1264
Date Published
1987
Length
2 pages
Annotation
A meeting convened by the World Health Organization's Special Program on AIDS (SPA) in 1987 focused on four central aspects of the prevention and control of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and AIDS in prison.
Abstract
These aspects were 1) the general principles that should apply to the provision of health care in prisons, 2) the identification of infected prisoners and the associated confidentiality and counseling issues, 3) the information and education needs of prison staff and of prisoners and their families, and 4) the management approaches that should apply to prisoners who carry HIV but do not have symptoms, to prisoners with AIDS-related complex, and to prisoners with AIDS. Wide variations were noted between and within nations in the numbers of infected prisoners, correctional policies and practices, the use of incarceration, and the main methods of contracting AIDS. The participants agreed that the general principles of national AIDS control programs should apply equally in prisons and in the general community. Recommendations included close working relations between correctional administrators and health administrators, handling of affected prisoners in the same way community members are handled, education of prison staff, and avoidance of discriminatory practices with respect to prisoners with HIV infection. Additional recommendations for policies, programs, and dissemination of the results of the meeting.