Mpinganzima D, Barasogomba V, Nduwimana MI, Schneider M; International Conference on AIDS.
Int Conf AIDS. 2002 Jul 7-12; 14: abstract no. TuPeF5356.
SWAA, Ngozi, Burundi
ISSUES: Places of detention are often neglected by preventive and therapeutic measures for AIDS. Little is known about the epidemiology of HIV infection in Burundian prisons. Scarce experience only exists on sensibilisation and AIDS care in this context. The SWAA (Society for women and AIDS in Africa, Burundi) initiated a project for HIV prevention and AIDS care in the central prison of Ngozi (northern Burundi). DESCRIPTION: The prison of Ngozi has about 2300 inmates. The project started in April 2001 with the training of 40 detainees as peer educators on HIV infection, modes of transmission and life with HIV as well as communication tools. These peer educators transmitted this knowledge interactively to their co-detainees. Voluntary and anonymous testing with pre- and post-test counselling has been offered since October 2001. LESSONS LEARNED: More than 1200 detainees volunteered for testing. During the first three months, 228 have been screened; 8 (3.5%) turned out HIV-positive. A positive result is an additional psychological burden in addtion to the stress of detention. Prior to the intervention, homosexuality, common but concealed, had not been considered a means of transmission. RECOMMENDATIONS: Sensibilisation on AIDS must include prisons. Detainees with HIV-infection and AIDS require particular care.
Publication Types:
Keywords:
- Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome
- Africa
- Burundi
- Counseling
- Female
- HIV Infections
- HIV Seropositivity
- Humans
- Prisons
- education
Other ID:
UI: 102253852
From Meeting Abstracts